News • 18 Oct 2024
URWERK Unveils the Venomous UR-150 Scorpion
Renowned for pushing the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking, URWERK introduces its latest creation: the UR-150 Scorpion. This wristwatch continues the brand’s tradition of blending high-concept engineering with artful design, drawing inspiration from nature’s fierce predator, the scorpion, to deliver a watch that balances precision, innovation, and visual drama.
URWERK has long been synonymous with avant-garde horology. Their journey to reimagine traditional watchmaking reaches new heights with the UR-150 Scorpion, which redefines the brand’s iconic satellite hours complication. This watch is more than a mechanical instrument; it is a work of art, marrying aesthetics with the technical mastery that watch enthusiasts and collectors around the world have come to expect from URWERK.
A Striking Design Inspired by Nature
The design of the UR-150 Scorpion takes its cues from the predatory elegance of the scorpion. Felix Baumgartner, co-founder and master watchmaker at URWERK, describes the essence of his latest creation: “The scorpion’s tail is a symbol of precision and power, elements that are mirrored in the retrograde minutes hand of the UR-150. With every hour that passes, this hand snaps back to its original position in just 1/100th of a second—a fierce, yet controlled movement, like a scorpion’s sting.”
The bold, curved lines of the case, combined with the delicate interplay of the open-worked hour hand and the sweeping minutes hand, embody the contrast between the calm exterior and the mechanical intensity within. This juxtaposition is a hallmark of URWERK’s design philosophy, where aggressive symbolism is balanced by refined craftsmanship.
Mechanical Complexity Meets Innovation
At the heart of the UR-150 is a novel interpretation of URWERK’s renowned satellite hour mechanism. Unlike traditional time displays, the UR-150 features a complex mechanical ballet, where the hour satellites rotate along a 240-degree arc—a sharp departure from the standard 120-degree sector found in previous models. This expanded motion requires precise energy management, a challenge URWERK has met through the use of a speed regulator, ensuring smooth and reliable transitions as the retrograde minutes hand snaps back to zero.
“The technical feat here is in the balance between speed and control,” explains Baumgartner. “The retrograde hand moves swiftly, while the hour satellites spin seamlessly into place. This is not just a display of time—it’s a mechanical performance.” Martin Frei, the creative mind and co-founder of URWERK, adds his perspective on the watch’s design evolution: “We like to play with tension—between form and function, between calm and intensity. The UR-150 Scorpion is the embodiment of that creative tension. Its curved case is ergonomic and fluid, yet it houses a mechanism capable of remarkable force and speed.”
The Perfect Marriage of Art and Mechanics
Beyond its striking visual elements and mechanical complexity, the UR-150 Scorpion represents URWERK’s ongoing exploration of the relationship between art and mechanics. The watch’s intricate movement, Calibre UR-50.01, features satellite hours and retrograde minutes, all driven by an automatic winding system with a double turbine.
This turbine ensures exceptional energy efficiency and shock absorption, allowing the movement to perform under the most demanding conditions. As for its case, its constructed from sandblasted titanium and steel, materials chosen not only for their strength and durability but also for their aesthetic appeal. The watch is available in two distinct versions—Titan and Dark.
A New Chapter in URWERK’s Artistic Vision
URWERK has always strived to transcend the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, and the UR-150 Scorpion is no exception. The watch is not merely a functional object but a statement of artistic intent. Its bold design and technical prowess showcase URWERK’s dedication to horological excellence while maintaining a clear connection to the brand’s visionary roots.
Reflecting on the broader significance of the UR-150, Martin Frei notes, “This watch is more than the sum of its parts. It’s a reflection of who we are as creators—people who are not satisfied with the ordinary, who are constantly pushing the limits of what’s possible in watchmaking.” With the UR-150 Scorpion, URWERK continues to redefine modern horology. The combination of intricate mechanics, daring design, and the brand’s unrelenting pursuit of innovation ensures that this latest release will not only capture the imagination of watch enthusiasts but also stand as a testament to the art of contemporary watchmaking.
Want to discover more about URWERK and the UR-150 Scorpion? Check out our catalogue to learn more about the brand or drop us a message to enquire further.