Urwerk 203. Miniature air compressors included.

Urwerk 203
Urwerk was formed in 1997 by watchmaker brothers Felix and Thomas Baumgartner along with designer and friend Martin Frei. The name is derived from the city of Ur “where our perception of time was molded over 6000 years ago by the moving shadows cast by the obelisks of Ur” and the German for “work”.

Their UR-203 model features a dial using a “patented revolving satellite complication with integral telescopic minutes hands”. The use of the word “satellites” is significant because designer Martin Frei draws inspiration from Spaceships, his father having worked with the team that built the LEM (Lunar Excursion Module).

These three hour “satellites” rotate and the correct hour is indicated by the one that rotates into position, extending a telescopic pointer which lines up with the minute gauge. The whole setup has a very bold visual appeal and the way the satellites slowly pivot and rotate into position gives you a feeling of times inevitability.

The movement is automatic winding with the world’s first twin turbine regulation – miniature air compressors!

These are used to regulate the winding rate and also act as shock absorbers, cushioning sharp movement of the rotor.

If you look at the back of the watch you can see the turbines through two windows. Awesome.

For a more detailed explanation of the dial click the image below.

Read more about the Urwerk 203 at the official brand site: Urwerk

Here is a very interesting video about Urwerk’s creative process.