A Watch Aiming High...Straight Towards Space!
In a world where science fiction blurs with reality, the UR-100V "LightSpeed" embodies the dream of traveling at the speed of light. This seemingly impossible feat becomes a tangible experience on your wrist with this unique timepiece from Urwerk.
Urwerk's artistic director, Martin Frei, describes the LightSpeed as "a piece of the universe on your wrist." It's a miniature cosmos, a captivating mechanical representation of the vastness above. For the discerning watch enthusiast, the technical aspects are equally impressive. The self-winding UR 12.02 movement is a marvel of engineering. Crafted from lightweight yet robust materials like beryllium-bronze and ARCAP alloy, it ensures smooth operation for a full 48 hours.
The satellite dance
The LightSpeed's true magic lies in its celestial dance. Forget traditional hands. Instead, a 3D planetarium showcases eight celestial bodies from our solar system. Each planet acts as a reference point, with the watch calculating and illustrating the time it takes for sunlight to reach them. As Frei explains, "The Sun's rays take just 8.3 minutes to reach Earth, but a staggering 4.1 hours to kiss the surface of Neptune." It's a journey through space and time, with light as our magical vessel, reminding us of the immense scale of the universe.
Sunlight bathes each planet in our solar system at a specific time, highlighting the breathtaking distances and fleeting beauty of our cosmic neighbourhood. The light we see is a testament to this, a snapshot frozen in time. The watch's rotor, inspired by the Sun itself, pays homage to this celestial powerhouse, the ultimate reference point in our solar system.
Case and movement: Futuristic design and state-of-the-art technology
Encasing this celestial wonder is a lightweight yet ultra-durable black carbon case (54-layer ThinPly). This material complements the watch's futuristic design and ensures it can withstand everyday wear. A screw-down crown, a hallmark of quality timepieces, makes the watch water-resistant to 50 meters, allowing you to confidently wear it during light rain or splashes. The watch's back reveals a sun-inspired rotor, a beautiful reminder of the power source behind this cosmic marvel. A "Windfänger" system precisely regulates winding speed for optimal performance, ensuring the LightSpeed keeps pace with your adventures.
"Light is our connection to the universe," concludes Martin Frei. It shapes our understanding of the world, from gazing at distant stars through naked eyes to peering into the invisible realm with a microscope. Beyond its interstellar wonder, the LightSpeed stays true to Urwerk's signature timekeeping innovation. The LightSpeed isn't just a watch; it's a conversation starter, an artistic marvel, and a window into the vast wonders of our universe.
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