UR-203 BPT EDITION SPECIAL CHALLENGER DEEP

Time for something a little different! The UR-203 BPT Deep Challenge has arrived in our Certified Pre-Owned collection.

A super rare piece from 2010, only 20 pieces were made in this BPT (black platinum) finish. ْUber-futuristic with robotic-like hour indications. The UR-203 Edition Spéciale opens up to reveal its micro-mechanics for all to see with a skeletonized carousel. When in motion, it creates a choreography of fluidity, something you just don't find in watches with conventional hands. As the display rotates, collecting the next revolving hour satellite, the minute indicator runs along a angular minute track; working like a piston, these telescopic arms alter their length on its 60-minute journey to keep their point the same distance from the markers along the curve.

Crafted from ARCAP P40, a stable non-ferrous/magnetic alloy, this patented satellite complication is the nerve centre of the UR-203. Milled with micron-precision and then CNC machined, creating an intricate structure.

The precision of manufacture is incredibly demanding; working with minute tolerances, each transporter is only 1/1000th of a millimetre, (0.895mm) to be precise, this allows for an ultra-fine 0.005mm lubricating layer of oil. The combined weight of the carousel, hour-satellites, telescopic minute hands and dial weigh 65% less than the previous UR-202 model. The satellite complication is now a feather-light of 3.57 grams.

The unique telescopic minute hands design allows them to adjust their length precisely to follow the three vectors marking the minutes: 0-14, 15– 44, and 45-60. This enables the UR-203 to display the time across a large, easy-to-read dial when extended. When retracted, they alow for a more compact case design, providing the wearer with the best of both worlds.

An 'Oil Change' indicator is positioned inside the minute track on the left, informing the wearer when a service is due. On the right is a 'Horological Odometer' spanning 150 years, working like a car's odometer; the UR-203's 'Horological Odometer' keeps record of the total number of years of the movement has been in operation.

On the back is our patented Turbine automatic winding system with a winding rate regulated by fluid dynamics. As far back as the 18th century, clockmakers used air friction to control the speed of chiming clocks. We took this traditional idea of using air friction and brought it to the modern age to control the rate of automatic winding. The conventional rotating vanes of the past have been replaced by cutting-edge miniature twin turbines - mini air compressors - which can be seen spinning on the back of the watch. These twin turbines are coupled with the winding rotor. Controlled via a selector lever marked 'FREE', 'SPORT' or 'STOP' which allows the wearer to choose the turbines level of shock absorbancy. In regular activity, they cushion sharp movements of the rotor. This reduces wear and increases the lifespan of the movement.

BPT in the name denonets the upper case marterial, of platinum which has been given the URWERK treatment to make it matte black. With a dark and tough look, and a heavy weight and feel of strength, but still easily wearable thanks to the unique design and shape of the 203. The engraved back plate is in titanium chosen for its corrosion-resistant properties and is safe for the skin.

This alien looking limited edition comes with our Certified Pre-Owned warranty for two-years, and brand new Baltimora technical fabric strap, and an original URWERK display box.

Creators Thoughts:

Martin Frei - “One of my fellow students at art school probably back in 1991 created a piece that impressed me a lot. She was working next to me and at some point, I had discovered that the twenty rectangular paper sheets coated in white paint on her desk where in fact twenty 100 Swiss Franc bills. Her piece was not finished and the other side of the white paper was still showing the printed money pattern. I could not believe my eyes, what was she doing here, destroying 2000 Swiss Francs! She told me that it was her salary gained as a waitress over holidays*.

She later revealed her finished piece at one of our regular work presentations. The sheets coated with white paint were piled up to form a stack. I recall the feeling of holding the stack of transformed money in between the palms of my hands. The value of the money was destroyed by the coating but the potential actions enabled by the amount of 2000 Swiss Francs somewhat rendered the pile into a hot piece of energy. When we coated the UR-202 BPT the Art piece of my college was in my mind. I find it fascinating to think about value and how I can translate these thoughts into a design feature for a timepiece."

Felix Baumgartner - "This UR-203 is a wild idea of Martin Frei (URWERK co-founder and designer). Martin imagined a stripped-down model distilled to its pure essence. We had to start again at the beginning to develop this model; we sat down at the drawing board and completely reconsidered the satellite module. The horological challenge with this complication was to develop a complex mechanism with the minimum of components to ensure its reliability and longevity." 

 Condition Rating UR-1: As new, no or very few signs of wear, the movement is serviced and in working condition.

 *Please note strap in photographs may differ due to export restrictions*