he 100V collection continues its saga. The “Full Titanium Jacket” is now succeeded by the UR-100V C52. A watch with an ultra-tech case made of High Resistance CTP Carbon. An extremely resilient carbon composed of 52 layers compressed in epoxy polymer resin. The use of this unusual material allows the case of the UR-100V C52 to tip the scales at a featherweight 11 grams including titanium back.

It’s the folds of the carbon layers that give character to this new creation. Martin Frei, co-founder of Urwerk and chief designer of the brand, says: “The curves enhancing the bezel of the UR-100V C52, tracing their way from the crown to the sides of the watch passing through the lugs, are a classic reference. We find this same motif on the ancient Greek columns. Striations drawn and dug in the stone almost 2500 years ago to channel rainwater and control its flow along these ageless pillars. This motif has become the symbol of classicism. I often play with this reference. With the new UR-100V, the circular case results from precision-cut 52 layers of carbon. The design extends all around the wrist thanks to the original rubber strap specifically designed for this watch.”

“Carbon is a material dating back to the dawn of time. It is a raw material in the original sense of the term, a perfect UR-material. Carbon was also revered by the Sumerians of Mesopotamia, the pioneers of defining time as we still know it today, and a strong reference at Urwerk. Enclosing and protecting the cutting-edge technology used in our models in an ageless case is a contrast that I seek out and particularly appreciate,” explains Felix Baumgartner, co-founder of Urwerk and master watchmaker. “Our carbon has all the qualities: it is resistant, light, resilient, and revisits Urwerk black by offering nuances like nothing else.”

On the UR-100V, the display of hours and minutes is via satellites. A minute hand (one of three), once past the 60-minute mark, disappears to then reappear as a kilometer counter. It illustrates the 555 kilometers we travel every 20 minutes on the surface of the Earth. 555 kilometers/hr is the average. speed of rotation of the Earth at the Equator. Opposite this indication, another displays the speed of the Earth’s revolution around the sun, i.e., 35,740 kilometers in 20 minutes. On the face of the UR-100V, hours and kilometers share the same status, the same value. The hour and minute numerals indications are illuminated in highly legible incandescent green for easy ready.

Felix Baumgartner says: “This creation is inspired by a gift received from my father, Geri Baumgartner, renowned restorer of antique clocks. It is a clock made by Gustave Sandoz for the Universal Exhibition of 1893. Its particularity is that it indicates the distance traveled by the Earth at the Equator rather than the time”.

The UR-100V C52 is mounted on a strap with a folding clasp, featuring textured flexible rubber for a comfortable fit.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Movement

• Caliber: UR 12.02 with automatic-winding system governed by low-profile planetary turbine minimizing over-winding and wear

• Jewels: 40

• Frequency: 4 Hz / 28 800vph

• Power reserve: 48 hours

• Materials: Orbital satellite hours turning on Geneva crosses in beryllium bronze; open-worked aluminum carousel; triple baseplates in ARCAP

• Finishing: Circular graining, sanding, brushing. Chamfered screw heads. Hour and minute indications in Super-LumiNova

• Indications: Orbital satellites: hours; minutes; distance travelled on Earth’s equator in 20 minutes; distance Earth travels around the sun in 20 minutes

Case

• Materials: Carbon with 52 layers, baseplate in titanium

• Dimensions: Width: 41.0 mm, length: 49.7 mm, height: 14.0 mm

• Crystal: Sapphire crystal

• Water resistance: Pressure tested to 30m / 3 ATM / 100’

Bracelet

• Textured rubber with deployant buckle

Price

• CHF 53’000 (excluding tax)