Urwerk UR-203

Another masterpiece of horological design

Honestly, who can resist such a technological triumph that requires an oil change every three years!


Here's some blurb stolen from their web site:

Dial Side
Revolving Satellite Complication The UR-203 features URWERK’s patented Revolving Satellite Complication with telescopic minutes hands. The Revolving SatelliteComplication displays time using telescopic minutes hands operating through the middle of three orbiting and revolving hours satellites. The telescopic minutes hands precisely adjust their length to follow the three sectors marking the minutes: 0-14, 15-44, 45-60. Extended, they enable the UR-203 to display the time across a large, easy-to-read dial. Retracted, they allow for a very wearable and comfortably sized case.

Back side
The UR-203 is the world’s first watch with the winding rate regulated by fluid dynamics. As long ago as the 18th century, clockmakers were using air friction to regulate the speed of chiming clocks, and their techniques evolved to become the preferred method of regulating the rate of chimes on minute-repeaters. With the UR-203, URWERKhave taken the traditional idea of using air friction and refined it to control the rate of automatic winding. The traditional rotating vanes of the past have been replaced by cutting-edge miniature twin turbines - miniature air compressors - which can be seen spinning on the back of the watch. The UR-203’s twin turbines are coupled with the winding rotor. According to the position of the selector lever, the turbines act as shock absorbers. In normal activity they cushion sharp movements of the rotor. This reduces wear and increases the lifespan of the movement.

Seems almost churlish to mention its approx 46mm size.