URWERK 103T – The Tarantula, UR103T

E&L — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 05:34:19 +0000

Written By Kerry Stratton and Zach Segal

URWERK – from the first time you lay eyes on their watches, their unique styled designs are etched into your memory. URWERK has taken the rules of watch design set them aside to take their own path, creating something entirely different from traditional fine watch manufacturers. Introducing URWERK‘s 103T… The Tarantula. (Pictures after the jump)

Making some improvements from the original UR103, the Tarantula (model number UR103t) incorporates cutting edge new materials and design techniques that take a radical design to the next level. The traditional Geneva Cross design of the previous models now incorporates a new shield like structure that keeps the numbers located on the satellites hidden until they are absolutely needed.

From a mechanical standpoint the Tarantula is a marvel, with the cross and satellite design weighing in at more than 300 times that of a traditional hand design; proving that URWERK’S master craftsmen are truly that. When each hour passes, the satellites perform four 120 degree turns as the cross makes its cycle before they are ready to complete their task for another hour.

To offset weight, the watch is constructed of high grade titanium and aluminum alloys, as well as relying on ARCAP 40 (an alloy primarily composed of copper and nickel with no magnetic proprieties and a high resistance to corrosion).

The URWERKs 103T is proof that there is still something new and original in the world of fine watches; and a worthy testament to designer Martin Frei, master watchmaker Felix Baumgartner who is pictured below, and the entire URWERK team.

The URWERK 103t - UR103t

The URWERK UR103t - The Tarantula

URWERK 103t Tarantula Technical Specifications

Model : UR103T
Case : Stainless steel treated with AlTiN (Aluminium, Titanium, Nitride)
Dimensions : 50mm x 36mm x 13.5mm (including lugs)
Movement : Calibre 3.03; manual winding; 21,600bph/3Hz Power reserve 43 hours Triple bridges in black ARCAP P40 Time Indication by hour satellites rotated by Geneva crosses
Control Board : Grade 5 titanium, power reserve indicator, 15-minute and seconds dials for precise time-setting, user adjustable fine-tuning screw

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To inquire about the URWERK 103t price you can contact URWERK directly here.

103t PRESS RELEASE:

The ‘T’ in the 103T is at first a mystery, but only until the first look down through the massive sapphire crystal into the mechanism below. There you will sense a shape before you see it. A form slowly emerges from the orbital cross and stretches its mesmerising legs: ‘T’ for Tarantula! URWERK’s latest addition to the UR103 collection has a few genetic codes borrowed from one of the most famous members of the world of arachnids.

The Aesthetics. In the classic UR103, the central element is an orbital cross in titanium. In the new UR103T, the titanium cross has been replaced by a completely redesigned structure in ARCAP, a very stable copper/nickel alloy. The dark ARCAP wraps around the hour satellites in a protective embrace – though we can perhaps imagine something more sinister! This new configuration ensures that the numbers on the hour satellites can only be seen when they are required to tell the time while passing the arc of the minutes. With the UR103T, time takes on a different conceptual and even philosophical dimension to that of the open satellite system on the classic UR103. With the UR103T, the past and the future remain hidden – only the present is revealed.

The Technique. The actual mechanism for rotating the satellites has been completely modified on the UR103T. With this model the satellites rotate simultaneously behind the scenes in multiple stages, in preparation for their turn to indicate the time. They actually perform a four-beat 480° pirouette. Each satellite turns four 120° turns in the period between leaving the minute arc and arriving again with a new numeral displaying. The orbital satellite complication is over 300 times heavier than traditional hands, a factor that requires absolute precision in the manufacture of its minuscule components, and in assembling, balancing and regulating the complication to obtain the excellent chronometric performance URWERK demands of its exceptional timepieces.

The Force. The four satellites of the UR103T are made of aluminum and mounted on their own bronze/beryllium Geneva cross. The mechanism is then suspended from the orbital cross structure in ARCAP 40, a material that is light, non magnetic and corrosion resistant, and is mounted on an ARCAP plate.

However, the essential feature of the UR103T is not technical but human, a testament to URWERK’s master watchmaker Felix Baumgartner, visionary chief designer Martin Frei and their talented team.

To quote IanS, a member of the Horomundi Forum:

Now the big question is: would you leave it beside your bed at night?

Felix Baumgartner - Co-Founder of URWERK SA

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[Source: PROFESSIONAL WATCHES]

Special thank you to Jason P.

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