ReviewBlack Space Theory: Presenting the Urwerk UR-120 Space Black

Urwerk are a brand that cannot be ignored. If the future is space tech, Urwerk are the future. Their watch, inspired by the Starship USS Enterprise, has returned to earth, and this time it’s dressed in black. Meet the Urwerk UR-120 Space Black—an advanced feat of mechanical watchmaking technology, inspired by space and science fiction. A reiteration of the UR-120 ‘Spock’ watch released last year, the UR-120 Space Black enters a different dimension—due, in part, to its powerful black aesthetic. Its asymmetrical case houses a skeletonised display of Urwerk’s Captain Spock-approved satellites that split every hour as if to remind the wearer to ‘live long and prosper’.

Blazing Through Their Own Orbit

Urwerk share very little with the mechanical watch industry. Although relatively new players in the world of horology, they travel in their own orbit. Co-founded in 1997 by graphic designer Martin Frei and watchmaker Felix Baumgartner, with an aim to redesign the way time is told, Urwerk has since defined their space—no pun intended—in the world of mechanical Swiss watchmaking. “Bringing out yet another version of an existing mechanical complication was not our aim,” says Felix Baumgartner. “Our watches are unique because each has been conceived as an original work.” Today, the independent watchmaking brand are known for their trailblazing designs, cutting edge materials and hand-crafted detailing on their future-inspired timepieces.

Fluidity Of The Space Case

The upper part of the UR-120 Space Black’s case is smooth and fluid, with no visible screws or joints. The case is made from sandblasted titanium with a sandblasted steel bezel, both treated with black DLC and protected by a silicon coating. A curved sapphire crystal glass lends added seamlessness to the entire structure.

The case of Urwerk's UR-120 is made from sandblasted titanium with a sandblasted steel bezel, both treated with black DLC and protected by a silicon coating. A curved sapphire crystal glass lends added seamlessness to the entire structure

With a length of 44mm, a 47mm width and an overall height of 15.8mm, the watch wears smaller than it reads on paper. This is, in part, because of the structure of the asymmetrical case, partly because of the flexible, hinged lugs, but mostly because the of the colour. “The UR-120 Space Black is all about the power of black in design. The use of black not only exudes elegance but also fundamentally transforms our perception of the object,” explains Martin Frei. “Black works its magic by subtly distorting our judgments of size, while intensifying the watch’s contours to create a truly mesmerising effect.”

With a length of 44mm, a 47mm width and an overall height of 15.8mm, the watch wears smaller than it reads on paper

“The use of black not only exudes elegance but also fundamentally transforms our perception of the object,” explains Martin Frei

Space-Time Continuum

Satellites are to Urwerk what hour markers are to regular watches. Having said that, the brand have reimagined their existing satellites, creating something worthy of the Captain. “When we realised we were going to have to open the satellite, I was over the moon,” says Baumgartner. The hour satellite mounted on planetary gears splits open, taking on a V-shape, which, on closer inspection, evokes the Vulcan hand salute. This is made possible by the self-winding calibre UR-20.01, which features a central carousel with the three satellite-bearing planetary gears. When the satellites open, each of the two studs rotates on its own axis to display one half of the next numeral. A lyre-shaped spring then shuts the satellites, and voila! the next hour is on display. Seems nothing short of science fiction.

The Super-LumiNova-filled minute track sits on the right of the dial. As the hour satellite reaches 60 minutes at the five o’clock position, the next satellite reaches the one o’clock position to start the next hour.

The hour satellite mounted on planetary gears splits open, and each of the two studs rotates on its own axis to display one half of the next numeral

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A lyre-shaped spring then shuts the satellites, and voila! the next hour is on display

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The Super-LumiNova-filled minute track sits on the right of the dial

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As the hour satellite reaches 60 minutes at the five o’clock position, the next satellite reaches the one o’clock position to start the next hour

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A small sapphire crystal display window on the caseback offers a view of the self-winding calibre UR-20.01 that powers the watch

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“On the part alone governing the partition of our satellite time, there are more than 175 components. These intricated parts, meticulously crafted with our CNC machines, rock and roll with micron-level exactitude,” Baumgartner adds. “This ‘Vulcan salute’ complication we dreamt of and created is definitely worthy of our efforts.”

Into The Black Of Space

With a power reserve of 48 hours, the movement beats at a frequency of 28,800vph, and features hand-detailed components with PVD finishing. The UR-120 Space Black is mounted on a matching black calf leather strap with an embossed cordura pattern. The ingeniously designed UR-120 Space Black is a relatively more subdued offering from the house of Urwerk, who are known for their bold, somewhat over-the-top watches. The UR-120 Space Black is a fascinating timepiece, beyond a doubt. May it live long and prosper.