Urwerk Introduces the UR-120 Blue Planet

A Stellar Complication

Urwerk this month introduces the UR-120 Blue Planet, the final evolution of its satellite-hour concept in this generation. As is typical for the Swiss indie brand, the watch merges high-end horology with a narrative language drawn from space exploration, where orbital motion, structural engineering and cinematic gesture cross paths. Also de rigueur is the case design that was created with both wearing comfort and flamboyancy in mind.

The UR-120 Blue Planet is housed in a sandblasted steel case measuring 47mm wide, 44mm long, and 15.8mm thick. Its two-part construction, consisting of an interlocking base and upper shell, is a design principle favored by Urwerk co-founder and chief designer Martin Frei. The seamless architecture emphasizes the watch’s sculptural appearance. A domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal provides an unobstructed view of the display, while articulated lugs improve wearability. A spring integrated into the lower lug at 6 o’clock allows the watch to adapt more comfortably to the wrist. Water resistance is rated to 30 meters.

Satellite Hours with a Mechanical "Salute"

Powering the watch is the self-winding Caliber UR-20.01. The movement operates at 4 Hz (28,800 vph) and offers a power reserve of 48 hours. Time is displayed via Urwerk’s signature wandering-hour system. Three hour satellites orbit on a central carousel and travel across the minute track before rotating away. The defining feature of the UR-120 appears when a satellite reaches the left side of the display: its two arms open into a V-shape, creating what Urwerk describes as a mechanical interpretation of the iconic Vulcan salute. The mechanism is controlled by a system of Maltese crosses and a lyre-shaped spring, both visible on the dial side. According to co-founder and master watchmaker Felix Baumgartner, the carousel alone consists of 175 components, requiring precise control of energy transfer and motion to ensure reliable operation.

Contrasting with the deep blue architecture are several key mechanical elements finished in 24K yellow-gold PVD. These include the lyre springs and Maltese crosses that regulate the opening and closing sequence of the satellites. Rather than serving a purely decorative purpose, the gold finish highlights the active components responsible for storing and releasing energy throughout the display cycle.

The Urwerk UR-120 Blue Planet is fitted with a blue Cordura-textured calfskin strap and a satin-brushed steel pin buckle. Limited to 20 pieces worldwide, the watch is priced at CHF 115,000 (approximately $141,000, excluding taxes).

To learn more, visit Urwerk, here.