Introducing Urwerk Unveils the UR-100V Stardust

Urwerk has officially launched its latest timepiece, the UR-100V Stardust. The new model, an extension of the brand's UR-100 series, is making a bold statement in the watch industry with its advanced features and high-quality craftsmanship.

Distinctive Material Composition

The UR-100V Stardust is set with 400 diamonds of VVS1 clarity and Color D, totaling almost 1.90 carats. Utilizing the 'snow-setting' technique, the design intentionally avoids uniformity. This aligns with the vision expressed by Felix Baumgartner, Urwerk's master watchmaker and co-founder, who stated that the brand sought a setting that evoked "ordered chaos," reminiscent of a starry night.

It's worth noting that the case is made of steel—a material less malleable than gold. This choice presents complications in setting, but Urwerk's artisans have managed to overcome this, delivering a seamless and smooth finish.

Functional Features

Beyond aesthetics, the UR-100V Stardust features wandering hour movement and has two specialized counters that track the Earth’s axial and orbital movement. Specifically, one counter shows the Earth's rotation on its axis in a 20-minute span (555 km), while the other counter indicates the Earth's orbit around the Sun in the same timeframe (35,740 km).

Final Thoughts

Urwerk’s UR-100V Stardust is a sophisticated blend of horological innovation and intricate design. The watch isn’t just a statement piece but also serves as a nod to our planet’s celestial journey. This high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail places it in the upper echelons of luxury timepieces. The watch's thematic focus on "stardust" offers an interesting, albeit poetic, perspective on the nature of material reality, aligning with Martin Frei's commentary on the interconnectedness of matter in the universe.

Those interested in acquiring a piece that melds technical complexity with avant-garde design will find the UR-100V Stardust worth considering. The watch is a calculated risk on the part of Urwerk, pushing both material and thematic boundaries, but it appears to be a gamble that has paid off.