URWERK UR-150 Scorpion

URWERK timepieces are not just instruments to measure the passage of time; they are mechanical sculptures that capture the essence of time itself. With the UR-150 Scorpion, Urwerk has once again demonstrated its mastery of both technical complexity and aesthetic design, creating a watch that is as captivating to observe as it is to wear.

URWERK's journey began in 1997, when master watchmaker Felix Baumgartner and designer Martin Frei joined forces to challenge the conventions of traditional watchmaking. Their shared passion for innovation and their desire to create timepieces that were both technically advanced and visually striking led to the birth of URWERK. The name itself, derived from the ancient Mesopotamian city of Ur, where timekeeping first originated, reflects the brand's deep respect for horological history and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of the art.



From the outset, URWERK has been synonymous with its signature satellite hours complication, a unique and mesmerizing way of displaying time that has become the brand's hallmark. The UR-150 Scorpion builds upon this legacy, introducing a new and even more captivating iteration of this iconic complication. The watch's dial is dominated by three rotating hour satellites, each carrying four numerals, that gracefully sweep across a 240-degree arc, indicating the current hour. This expansive display, a departure from the brand's usual 120-degree arc, enhances the visual impact of the watch and allows for a more intuitive reading of the minutes.

The UR-150 Scorpion's retrograde minutes hand further amplifies the watch's dramatic flair. As the minutes progress, the hand glides along the arc, and once the 60th minute is reached, it swiftly jumps back to zero, marking the start of a new hour. This retrograde action, reminiscent of a scorpion's tail poised to strike, is not just a visual spectacle; it's a testament to URWERK's technical prowess. The mechanism that drives this intricate dance of time is a marvel of micro-engineering, ensuring precision and reliability in every movement.

The UR-150 Scorpion's case, crafted from sandblasted and shot-blasted titanium and steel, exudes a sense of understated sophistication. Its rounded silhouette, a departure from the more angular designs often associated with URWERK, lends the watch a softer, more organic feel. The curved sapphire crystal seamlessly integrates with the case, creating a smooth, flowing profile that comfortably hugs the wrist. This attention to ergonomics ensures that the UR-150 Scorpion is not just a visual masterpiece but also a pleasure to wear.



Beneath the UR-150 Scorpion's sleek exterior lies a complex and meticulously crafted movement. The UR-50.01 caliber, with its automatic winding system governed by a double turbine, is a testament to URWERK's commitment to technical excellence. The double turbine system, an innovation designed to absorb shocks and protect the movement from damage, ensures the watch's long-term reliability and performance. The movement's intricate components, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, are a testament to the brand's dedication to handcrafted finishing. Each part is meticulously decorated with circular graining, sandblasting, shot-blasting, and circular satin finishing, showcasing the artistry and skill of URWERK's watchmakers.

The UR-150 Scorpion is not just a watch; it's a conversation starter, a piece of art that sparks curiosity and admiration. Its unique design, with its bold hour satellites and dramatic retrograde minutes hand, is sure to turn heads and elicit questions. The watch's intricate movement, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, invites closer inspection and appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. The UR-150 Scorpion is a watch that demands attention, a timepiece that is as much a statement of personal style as it is a testament to horological ingenuity.

In the world of watch collecting, the UR-150 Scorpion is a coveted prize, a symbol of exclusivity and discerning taste. Its limited production run of just 50 pieces in each of its two variations, Titan and Dark, ensures its rarity and desirability. The Titan version, with its sandblasted and shot-blasted titanium and steel case, exudes a cool, industrial aesthetic, while the Dark version, with its anthracite PVD-treated steel case, adds a touch of stealthy sophistication. Both versions are fitted with a KISKA rubber strap, specially designed to complement the watch's unique character.

At the heart of the UR-150 Scorpion beats the UR-50.01 caliber, a self-winding movement that showcases URWERK's ingenuity and technical prowess. This complex mechanism, comprising 38 jewels and oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), is a symphony of precision engineering. The movement's architecture is a testament to URWERK's commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, with its innovative design and intricate components working in perfect harmony to deliver an unparalleled timekeeping experience.



One of the most captivating aspects of the UR-150 Scorpion's movement is its retrograde minute hand. This intricate mechanism, inspired by the scorpion's tail, adds a dramatic flair to the watch's timekeeping display. As the minutes progress, the hand gracefully glides along a 240-degree arc, and once the 60th minute is reached, it swiftly jumps back to zero, marking the start of a new hour. This retrograde action, a hallmark of URWERK's design philosophy, is not just a visual spectacle; it's a testament to the brand's mastery of complex mechanical systems.

The retrograde mechanism is driven by a flying carousel that carries the three hour satellites along a path determined by a cam. This cam, a key component of the movement's architecture, orchestrates the motion of the carousel, ensuring that the hour satellites and the retrograde minute hand move in perfect synchronization. As the minute hand reaches the 60th minute, a specially designed URWERK spring triggers the UR-150's lightning-fast retrograde action, causing the hand to jump 240 degrees and the hour satellites to rotate 270 degrees simultaneously. This intricate ballet of mechanical components, occurring in just 1/100th of a second, is a testament to URWERK's dedication to precision and performance.

To ensure the smooth and accurate operation of the retrograde mechanism, URWERK has incorporated a speed regulator into the UR-150's flywheel. This mechanism, typically found in minute repeater watches to regulate the chiming sequence, helps to control the speed and inertia of the retrograde hand, ensuring its precise and controlled return to zero. This attention to detail, even in the most minute aspects of the movement's design, is a hallmark of URWERK's commitment to horological excellence.



The UR-150 Scorpion's automatic winding system is another example of URWERK's innovative approach to watchmaking. Equipped with a double set of turbines, this ingenious system regulates the speed of the solid rotor, delivering unprecedented energy and shock resistance. The turbines act as shock absorbers, protecting the rotor and the movement's delicate components from damage. This innovative design ensures the watch's long-term reliability and performance, even under demanding conditions.

The UR-150 Scorpion's case, measuring 42.49mm in width, 52.31mm in length, and 14.79mm in thickness, is crafted from a combination of sandblasted and shot-blasted titanium and steel. This blend of materials not only provides exceptional durability but also contributes to the watch's lightweight and comfortable feel on the wrist. The case's curved profile, a departure from URWERK's more angular designs, adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the watch's overall aesthetic. The curved sapphire crystal seamlessly integrates with the case, creating a smooth, flowing profile that enhances the watch's ergonomic design.

The UR-150 Scorpion is available in two variations: Titan and Dark. The Titan version features a sandblasted and shot-blasted titanium and steel case, exuding a cool, industrial aesthetic. The Dark version, on the other hand, features a sandblasted and shot-blasted titanium case with anthracite PVD-treated steel, adding a touch of stealthy sophistication to the watch's design. Both versions are fitted with a KISKA rubber strap, specially designed to complement the watch's unique character and provide optimal comfort on the wrist.



The UR-150 Scorpion is not just a watch; it's a statement piece, a testament to URWERK's unwavering commitment to horological innovation and artistic expression. Its unique design, with its bold hour satellites, dramatic retrograde minute hand, and intricate movement, is sure to captivate watch enthusiasts and collectors alike. The UR-150 Scorpion is a watch that transcends mere timekeeping, offering a glimpse into the future of horology and showcasing the boundless creativity and technical mastery of URWERK's watchmakers.

With a retail price of CHF 88,000 for the Titan version and CHF 89,000 for the Dark version (excluding taxes), the UR-150 Scorpion is an investment in horological excellence. Its limited production run of just 50 pieces in each variation ensures its exclusivity and desirability among discerning collectors. The UR-150 Scorpion is more than just a watch; it's a symbol of individuality, a testament to the wearer's appreciation for exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design. It's a timepiece that will undoubtedly become a cherished heirloom, passed down through generations as a reminder of URWERK's enduring legacy in the world of haute horlogerie.