Urwerk UR-120 Blue Planet: The Final Chapter in the UR-120 Series

Urwerk, the avant-garde Swiss watchmaker known for its futuristic time displays, has announced the UR-120 Blue Planet, the final edition of its UR-120 collection. This limited series of 20 pieces marks the end of a line that began in 2022 with the UR-120 in titanium and steel, followed by the UR-120 Space Black in 2023. The Blue Planet introduces a striking blue PVD-coated steel case with 24k gold-plated accents, offering a fresh yet definitive conclusion to the collection.

A Departure in Design and Material

The UR-120 Blue Planet retains the distinctive 47mm by 44mm case profile of its predecessors but opts for a sandblasted steel case with a blue PVD coating. This choice of steel over titanium ensures a uniform base for the coating, resulting in a consistent finish across the entire case. The shaped sapphire crystal, strap connections, and the crown at 12 o'clock with its swivelled cover and gold hinge remain unchanged. The blue PVD treatment gives the watch a deep, cosmic hue that aligns with Urwerk's space-inspired aesthetic.

The Signature Satellite Display

At the heart of the UR-120 Blue Planet is Urwerk's signature satellite indication, a hallmark of the brand's innovative approach to timekeeping. The display features digital hour satellites with splitting cubes mounted on planetary gears. These cubes rotate, split, and rejoin as they pass along the arched minute track, indicating the hours in a dynamic, three-dimensional manner. For this final edition, the timing indications are finished in blue, while key functional elements are plated in 24k gold, creating a striking contrast. All markings and numerals are luminous, ensuring legibility in low light.

Mechanical Excellence: Calibre UR-20.01

Driving the UR-120 Blue Planet is the automatic Calibre UR-20.01, equipped with Urwerk's unique Windfänger airscrew-governed rotor. This mechanism uses an airscrew to regulate the winding rate, reducing wear and tear on the movement. The calibre operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and provides a 48-hour power reserve. It comprises 32 jewels and a mix of high-tech materials, including Beryllium-copper, grey PVD brass, gold PVD, black-rhodium anodized aluminium, ARCAP, titanium, and LIGA-processed nickel elements. The movement is finished with circular and straight graining, sandblasting, Côtes de Genève, and polished screws. While not visible in the provided images, it is likely that an arched sapphire crystal window on the caseback allows a view of the movement, as seen in previous editions.

Limited Availability and Pricing

The Urwerk UR-120 Blue Planet is limited to just 20 pieces, making it a highly exclusive collector's item. Each watch is fitted with a blue Cordura-textured calfskin leather strap with a satin-brushed steel pin buckle. The price is set at CHF 115,000 (excluding VAT). This final edition serves as a fitting farewell to the UR-120 series, combining Urwerk's signature satellite display with a bold new color scheme and precious accents.

Technical Specifications

• Case: 47mm width x 44mm length x 15.8mm height, sandblasted steel with blue PVD coating, curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, sapphire crystal and titanium caseback, hinged lugs, covered crown at 12 o'clock, 30m water resistance
• Dial: Satellite display with digital hour satellites on planetary gears, analog minutes on curved track, luminous markings and numerals
• Movement: Calibre UR-20.01, automatic winding with Windfänger airscrew-governed rotor, 32 jewels, 28,800vph, 48h power reserve, Beryllium-copper, grey PVD brass, gold PVD, black-rhodium anodized aluminium, ARCAP, titanium, and LIGA-processed nickel elements; circular and straight graining, sandblasting, Côtes de Genève, polished screws
• Strap: Blue calf-leather strap embossed with a ballistic fibre-like pattern, pin buckle
• Availability: Limited to 20 pieces
• Price: CHF 115,000 (excluding VAT)

With the UR-120 Blue Planet, Urwerk closes a chapter in its creative journey, leaving collectors with a memorable final edition that encapsulates the brand's spirit of innovation and exclusivity.