Urwerk Creates Unique UR-103 Phoenix for Only Watch


Urwerk UR-103 for Only Watch

Master watchmaker and Urwerk co-founder Felix Baumgartner proudly announces Urwerk’s presence at Only Watch 2011. As an expression of commitment to the Only Watch cause, Urwerk will be auctioning the UR-103 Phoenix, a unique timepiece made of white gold and hand-decorated by master engraver Jean-Vincent Huguenin, one of the most gifted artists in this field.

Only Watch is the charity auction to benefit research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy held in Monaco on September 22 under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II. Fascinated by universal legends, Jean-Vincent did not take long to decide on the theme for this piece. In recognition of all those engaged in the battle to save children from muscular dystrophy, the UR-103 bears the quintessential symbol of resistance and resilience: a phoenix rising from the flames.

“In our daily lives we all have objects that are slightly talismanic,” says watch artist and Urwerk co-founder Martin Frei. “We love to have them at our side, in touching distance. Without giving them a mystical value, we assign them a virtue, an ‘aura.’ With this in mind, we have designed this UR-103 as a veritable talisman – a source of energy for its future owner.”

Read more about Only Watch at the official Antiquorum website.

Complete technical details for the UR-103 Phoenix appear below the images. The UR-103 image may be enlarged with a click.

Jean-Vincent Huguenin working at his bench.
Jean-Vincent Huguenin

His creation: the UR-103 Phoenix.
Urwerk UR-103 for Only Watch

 

UR-103 Phoenix Technical Features

Dial Side
The time on the 103 is indicated by the orbiting hour satellites as they pass the arc of the minutes. The slanting sides of the hour satellites ensure an unencumbered view of the time without turning the wrist – even while driving – while bold SuperLumiNova provides excellent visibility by both day and night. The rotating satellite complication is the heart and soul of the 103 series of watches. The orbital cross carries the four hour-satellites and an internal Geneva cross governs each of these satellites. These Geneva crosses offer very low-frictional properties but must be manufactured to extremely precise tolerances. Each of the satellites features three hour numbers. As a satellite approaches the crown, its Geneva cross engages a pin which rotates the disk 120° so that the new hour takes its position. High-tech grade 2 titanium is used extensively throughout the satellite complication including in the construction of the orbital cross and the Geneva crosses. The strength and lightness offered by titanium provides lower inertia and improves the synchronicity of the movement. The hour satellites are crafted from aluminum. Integrated lugs holding the strap ensure that the sleek case fits comfortably on a wide variety of wrist shapes and sizes.

Control Board
The Control Board on the back of the 103 features the following indications and functions: The Chrono Meter with its dual 15 minute and seconds dial for maximum precision when setting of time. The 36 hour Power Reserve indicator. A Fine Tuning screw which allows the user the possibility of adjusting the watch’s timing +/- 30 seconds per day.

Movement
Caliber: UR 3.03 manually wound
Balance: Monometallic
Frequency: 21,600v/h, 3Hz
Power reserve: 36 hours, single mainspring barrel
Surface finishes: Circular-grained and rhodium-plated baseplate
Chamfered and polished screw heads

Indications
Wandering hour indication on a four-arm carousel
On the back: Control board in titanium with Power-reserve indicator
15-minute and 60-second dials for precise time setting

Surface finishes
Sandblasted and satin-finished carousel; circular graining
Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition
Luminous hours and minutes scale

Controls
Two-position winding crown
On the back: fine tuning screw (fast/slow)

Case
Form case
Material: White gold, back in titanium
Dimensions: 50mm x 36mm x 13.5mm
Glasses: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Water resistance: Pressure tested to 3ATM
Surface finishes: Polished case
Hand engraving
Back PECVD (Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition) treated

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