The iconic and immensely original UR-103 timepiece by a Swiss watch-maker, Urwerk, immediately drew a lot of attention and deserved accolade when it first appeared in 2003. The innovative concept of displaying time with four orbiting satellites earned the spotlight and made the company famous. Seven years later, the brand has discontinued the production of its flagship model. However, watch enthusiasts can rejoice once again, because Urwerk resurrected the concept with a unique timepiece by the name Urwerk UR-103 Phoenix Watch, made exclusively for the Only Watch 2011 charity auction.
The brand new UR-103 appropriately sports a phoenix motif, which symbolizes its rebirth and rising from the ashes. Considering the cause of the auction, which demands a lot of resilience and resistance, this symbol seems perfectly appropriate.
The first thing you will notice on this wristwatch is, by all means, its unusual dial with orbiting satellites that display the hours, as they pass by the arc on the bottom of the dial, which indicates minutes. Each of the satellites includes three hour numbers, and rotates one-third of a circle as it approaches the crown.
Unusual yet Functional
This display system is not only original, it also offers advanced legibility. Since the satellites are leaned, it is possible for the wearer to tell the time even without the turning of the wrist, which can be very useful in numerous situations, especially when driving. The fact that both hours and minutes scales are luminescent, also helps a lot.
Such a unique display requires a matching movement – the manually wound UR 3.03 movement that operates at the frequency at 3Hz and includes a power reserve of 36 hours. The indication of left- over power reserve is located at the back of the case, as are the 15-minutes and 60-seconds dials.
The originality of the UR-103 is also seen in an uncommon shape of its case which is 50 mm high, 36 mm wide and 13.5 mm thick. The case is constructed of polished white gold, while the case back is in titanium with Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (PECVD). Another amazing feature, visible on its case, is its phoenix motif, hand-decorated by a renowned master engraver, Jean-Vincent Huguenin.
Besides, Urwerk UR-103 Phoenix timepiece possesses a sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating. The timepiece also has ability to withstand water pressure to 30 meters. This one-of-a-kind wristwatch has a black alligator strap that fastens with a deployment buckle.
whatta watch! if’s truly unique, the owner will even have the last model of ur-103, i love the display with orbiting satellites, as well as the phoenix engraving, this is rly something else! (maybe it’s just a little bit too big)
Maybe is unique and technically speaking, great, but I would never put something like this on my wrist. It looks so kitschy.