A new timepiece that shows the time it takes for a beam of sunlight to reach the eight planets of our Solar System.
The creative duo of Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei from Urwerk presents an intriguing novelty that explores the limits of speed. The UR-100V LightSpeed Ceramic model shows the time it takes for a beam of sunlight to reach the eight planets of our Solar System.
The names of the planets with the exact time it takes for sunlight to reach them are displayed on a domed black structure mounted above the satellite indication mechanism. A miniature indicator in the form of a blue-green arrow is attached to one of the three carousel arms and makes a full rotation around the dial. Upon reaching the '3 o'clock' mark at Saturn, the arrow drops below the minute scale and reappears at the '3 o'clock' mark.
The watch is presented in a white ceramic case with Urwerk's typical dimensions of 43 x 51.73 x 14.55 mm. More precisely, the case is made of a ceramic composite. Unlike regular ceramics, it does not shatter upon strong impact due to the addition of fiberglass and carbon fibers. The polymer has a layered structure in which silver inclusions of the same fiberglass can be discerned.
The choice of white was not accidental. As Martin Frei notes, 'white is not a homogeneous color but an optical effect.' It occurs when all visible wavelengths of light (i.e., different colors of the spectrum) are in balance.
As in other Urwerk models, the time in the novelty is displayed by three rotating satellites, and the minutes by a hand with a red tip that moves along an arc-shaped scale at the bottom of the dial. To improve readability, the hours and minutes are coated with luminescent Super-LumiNova.
On the back of the model, made of titanium with a DLC coating, an aluminum rotor can be seen, its shape reminiscent of the sun. The watch is powered by the caliber UR 12.02, equipped with automatic winding and a 48-hour power reserve. The novelty comes with two rubber straps (black and white) featuring a folding clasp.
The approximate cost of the model is CHF 67,000.