From A Galaxy Not Too Far Away

So, what do you get when you combine turbines, air compression, and revolving satellites? Not jet fighter aviation that's for sure, but the amazing craft work of the Urwerk 202 complication launched for this years Geneva Fair. This unique watch brand which prides itself on the future of watch making burst onto the horological scene in 1997.

This brand is the collaboration of chief designer Martin Frei and Master Watchmaker Felix Baumgartner. It is amazing how the meeting at one drunken New Year's Eve Party in 1991 could bring both these visionaries together to create something so new and different the watch industry had never seen before, and change the way we look at watches today. The UR-202 is available in three different metals, Rose Gold, White Gold and an interesting mixture of black PE-CVD platinum and ALTiN .

For the first time in the world here is a wristwatch that features a patented new winding system which is regulated by compressing air by using miniature turbines which was inspired and influence by clockmakers from as far back as the 18th century using air friction to regulate the accuracy of chiming clocks. This watch has a 46.3 mm case which has a satin finish, which has been micro sandblasted, and the caseback is made out of titanium for comfort and ultimate durability.

The features of the watch include hours,minutes,moon phase and day/night indication. The dial is laid out in a very interesting way by displaying three orbital and revolving satellite display hour indicators, and completes this equation of telling time using telescopic minute hands running through the center of the hour hands. The back of the watch serves as much purpose as the front interestingly enough. The twin spinning turbines which powers this intricate machine can be seen through two miniature windows, and the lever in front depending on the sort of impact the watch is taking, can be set to three different modes so that the turbines act as buffers, reducing wear and tear and ensuring elasticity to the movement. At times even though it looks like Urwerk is way too far into the future with their design and complication, at the same time it is definitely from a galaxy not too far away!

pic courtesy of www.urwerk.com