Urwerk UR-120 'Spock'

While certain alternative time-telling displays can feel contrived, the ‘wandering hours’ complication always imparts a sense of wonder.

Developed in the 17the century, it largely disappeared by the turn of the 20th century, to be revived by Audemars Piguet in the form of its Starwheel collection in 1991. Sophisticated and whimsical, the wandering hours display forms the basis of much of high-end independent company Urwerk’s output. 

The brainchild of Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei, Urwerk has been pushing the horological envelope since 1997, designing cutting-edge timepieces that beg closer examination. In 2022, it reworked its well known UR-100 series into a special timepiece that references one of the world’s most beloved science fiction characters, Commander Spock from Star Trek.

Housed in a 44mm x 47mm sandblasted steel and titanium case with a curved sapphire crystal, articulating lugs, and a 12 o’clock crown, the UR-120 ‘Spock’ Titanium rotates the more conventional (if that term can be applied!) wandering hours display by 90 degrees such that the minutes track is now situated on the dial’s right flank. Each of three satellite arms contains four of 12 hour indices; the time is read by glancing at the hour displayed by the arm as it makes its way across the side of the dial, where minutes 1-60 are displayed in an arc. However, each index is also bifurcated — once the appointed hour is past, it splits apart before rotating to the next appropriate hour.  

This system is maddeningly complex and ultimately involves multiple axial rotations: the satellites rotate around the dial upon a central axis; the splitting hour displays rotate around their own axes; and each satellite counter-spins to maintain legibility and remain upright. Powered by the UR-20.01 automatic movement with Windfänger Planetary Turbine Automatic System, the result is a symphony of movement that positively captivates the wearer in its sophistication and creativity. 

Paired to an embossed calf leather strap and shipping with its factory goodies, the UR-120 ‘Spock’ Titanium is a window into the future of mechanical watchmaking — one whose novel approach to timekeeping simply never wears off. 

One of the darlings of the high-end independent horology space, Urwerk was founded by watchmakers Martin Frei and brothers Thomas and Felix Baumgartner. Upon their debut in 1997, the brand’s first wares were unlike any the watch world had yet seen: Incorporating a poetic ‘wandering hours’ complication, they made use of cutting-edge materials housed in avant garde cases, the results of which were thought-provoking and unique.
While Thomas Baumgartner left the company in 2004, Felix and Frei would soldier on, eventually developing an in-house movement and designing a watch for Harry Winston called the Opus V. Winning the coveted Design Watch Prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, Urwerk continued to innovate throughout the 2010s, even collaborating with fellow independent maison MB&F in 2012 on the Nitro. In 2013, the brand snagged the Innovation and Mechanical Exception Watch Prizes at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève for their EMC watch, which made use of an electronic rate measurement display.
Today, Urwerk’s collection is split into three distinct sub-categories: UR-Satellite, and UR-Chronometry. Whether automotive inspired, more classically styled, or completely distinct in shape, Urwerk timepieces are always immediately identifiable as such. Looking like something out of a science fiction novel, they represent the bleeding edge of horological technology and innovation.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.