Urwerk Unveils the UR-100 GunMetal

Last September Urwerk unveiled two variants of the UR-100 SpaceTime –  the UR-100 Iron (made from titanium and steel) and the UR-100 Black (made from DLC-coated titanium and steel). The UR-100 houses a new astronomical complication which was inspired by a wandering hours clock made by Gustave Sandoz in 1680. Rather than merely showing the time, the UR-100 shows the distance (measured from the equator) that earth has rotated that day around the sun. That’s 35,740km every 20 minutes. The only drawback for collectors was that each variant of the UR-100 was limited to 25. You might then find solace to learn that today Urwerk is unveiling a new variant of the UR-100 with a GunMetal PVD case.

Aesthetically the UR-100 GunMetal is a combination of the sleek PVD-coated titanium and steel case of the UR-100 Black (albeit with a GunMetal PVD finish as opposed to a Black finish) and the lighter-toned beryllium bronze orbital satellite hours, open-worked aluminium carousel and ARCAP triple baseplates – first seen on the UR-100 Iron. The resulting contrast between the movement and the darker-coloured case is subtle, giving this variant a noticeable bump in legibility when compared to its more monochromatic relatives.

As you’d expect, the UR-100 GunMetal features a range of decorative techniques, including circular graining, sanding, brushing and chamfering. In addition, hour and minute indications are all coated in SuperLumiNova, visible under a domed sapphire crystal. The 39-jewel self-winding UR 12.01 movement beats at 28 800v/h (4Hz), has a power-reserve of 48 hours and has a planetary turbine system that minimizes over-winding and wear. The Ur-100 GunMetal measures 41mm wide by 49.7mm long and has a height of 14mm. It is pressure tested to 3ATM (30m) and is limited to 25.

The UR-100 reminds us that despite all of our differences, we’re all on the same blue ball hurtling through space at rocket speed. While the “overview effect” – the state of mental clarity that comes from viewing the Earth from outer space – is out of reach for most of us (for now), the UR-100 is one of those rare things that makes you stop for a second and reflect on humanity as a whole. For a watch inspired by the romance of intergalactic travel, it ironically does an excellent job of making you appreciate the beauty of Earth and everything it has to offer…horology included!