Watching the hour change is usually as eventful as watching paint dry. On the URWERK UR-300 Time Quantum, however, it’s a downright surreal spectacle as the time display physically rearranges itself. Folks, this is a watch worth catching at the top of the hour.
Inspired by quantum mechanics, the UR-300 trades URWERK’s familiar orbiting satellites for a transforming T-shaped assembly. Four three-sided prisms carry the 12 hours, with the current hour traveling along a 108-degree minute scale.
At 60 minutes, the assembly jumps forward 72 degrees. Its two arms pivot in opposite directions, swapping their roles as stem and crossbar, while the prisms rotate to present the next hour. All simultaneously. Checking the time could become a rather distracting habit.
Power comes from the automatic UR-30.01V caliber, featuring 40 jewels, twin mainspring barrels, a 4 Hz frequency, and a 44-hour reserve. URWERK’s Dual Flow Turbines regulate automatic winding.
The Grade 5 titanium case measures 45.2 × 58.8 × 18.25 mm, with anti-reflective sapphire crystals and a NATO strap. Choose the Titan version or the PE-CVD-treated AlTiN edition, each limited to 25 pieces.
Both cost CHF168,000 before tax (approximately US$202,000).
Images: URWERK.