URWERK launches into 2007 with a Horological thunderclap! URWERK's partners, Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei have designed, developed and crafted a timepiece setting new benchmarks in contemporary haute horlogerie. The 201 will have aficionado's hearts pounding with cutting-edge technology and avant garde aesthetics melding in a three-dimensional micro-mechanical fantasy.

Time on the 201 is displayed using telescopic minute hands operating through the middle of three orbiting and revolving hour satellites. The telescopic minute hands precisely adjust their length to follow the three vectors marking the minutes: 0 -14, 15 - 44, 45 - 60. Extended, they enable the 201 to display the time across a large easy-to-read, dial. Retracted, they allow for a very wearable and comfortably sized case; thus providing the wearer with the best of both worlds!

This original feat of precision micro-engineering is achieved by means of 'transporters', one end of which follows a cam plotting the path of the minute indication, the other controlling the precise length of the minute hand. These transporters - hidden under the wings between the satellites- undergo a special MOVIC surface lubrification treatment eliminating the necessity for lubricating oils. In fact, as a result of URWERK's research into lubrification techniques and metal surface treatments, no oil at all is necessary or is used in the entire revolving satellite complication.

There are four hours on each of the three satellites: 1/4/7/10, 2/5/8/11 and 3/6/9/12. As the new hour moves to the start of the minute chapter, its hand extends to indicate the minutes. As the hour passes, the two other satellites, with minute hands retracted, are slowly rotating so that they are ready in turn to take the center stage.

  

The orientation of the hour satellites and frontal time indication are in keeping with URWERK's tradition of crafting timepieces which are easy to read without having to turn the wrist. The shape of the hour satellites - angular truncated pyramids rather than square faced cubes - ensures that the time can be clearly and instinctively read side-on as well as from above.

Completing the indications on the dial are a 5-day power reserve indicator on the left, balanced by a day/night indicator on the right.

"URWERK is a laboratory of constant innovation and ideas. We test and experiment with the latest generation of materials and surface treatments to discover what works best and where. URWERK works without the security of a safety net because our original concepts are realised for the very first time by ourselves. Step by step, model by model, we develop the brand and imprint our mark on Swiss haute horlogerie". Felix Baumgartner: master watchmaker and co-founder of URWERK.