The already iconic futuristic form of the URWERK 103‘s streamlined case shape houses an innovative orbital satellite complication with time 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.
The innovative rotating satellite complication is the heart and soul of the URWERK 103 series of watches. The orbital cross carries the four hour-satellites and an internal Geneva cross governs each of these satellites. Each of the satellites features three hour numbers, and while a satellite approaches the crown, its Geneva cross engages a pin which rotates the disk 120-degrees so that the new hour takes its position.
It’s important to point out the fact that, while the URWERK 103 satellites display accurate time, when setting the time the exact minutes and seconds may be needed. The dual-dials featuring a 15-minute and seconds indication provide this information. Bold SuperLumiNova provides excellent visibility by both day and night.
Included in the URWERK 103 platform is the fine-tuning screw, a precision adjustment function allowing the user the possibility of adjusting the watch’s timing up to 30 seconds +/- per day. This enables the watch to be adapted to changing lifestyle or wearing habits which may influence the timing. The half-slotted adjustment screw points to a surrounding scale clearly defining its function.
High-tech grade 2 titanium is used extensively throughout the satellite complication. The grade 5 titanium Control Board on the back of the 103 was inspired by vintage marine chronometers which placed their more rarely used functional indications on the back of the timepiece. The Control Board is URWERK’s contemporary interpretation of classical horology.
The Control Board houses: the Chrono Meter with its dual 15 minute and seconds dial for maximum precision when setting of time; the 43 hour Power Reserve indicator; and the Fine Tuning screw which allows the user the possibility of adjusting the watch’s timing +/- 30 seconds per day.
URWERK also presents its iconic 103 with a steel case. But not just any steel case, the 103.08 is the world’s first wristwatch treated with TiAlN – Titanium Aluminum Nitride. The coating on the steel 103.08 is the hardest yet known in the world of haute horlogerie. A TiAlN coating less than 4 microns thick has the effect of multiplying the resistance of the underlying metal to scratches, shocks, oxidation and even acids. The coating is said to be the hardest coating used in watchmaking, it is even harder than DLC (diamond like carbon). The URWERK TiAIN 103.08 is lighter than its gold and platinum stable mates, yet much, much harder.
