Say hello – and sadly, goodbye – to Urwerk’s final iteration of the UR-120, paying tribute to planet Earth in a blue case finish.
2026 seems to be a season of farewells for independent watch brand Urwerk. Earlier this year, they said goodbye to their UR-10 Spacemeter collection, not even a year after it was introduced. This time, it’s the UR-120 collection on the chopping block after four years of faithful service. An evolution of the UR-110 introduced in 2011, it was born out of founders Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei’s mission to create a slimmer, sleeker satellite hours watch.
In 2022, the UR-120 debuted and was immediately christened with the nickname “Spock” for its unique satellite mechanism. But all good things must come to an end, and the UR-120 is officially being discontinued after this year. However, it’s not going down without a bang, and Urwerk is not one to disappoint. For the final time, the brand has welcomed a new UR-120 to the catalogue in a new blue finish.
Blue & Sentimental
With dimensions coming in at a whopping 47mm wide, 44mm long, and 15.8mm thick, you’d be justified in scratching your head as to how this is more ergonomic than the original UR-110. This is especially apparent when you realise that the watch is constructed out of blue PVD stainless steel. However, the Urwerk UR-120 Blue Planet is much more compact than its predecessor at the same width, but an awkward 51mm long and 16mm thick.
Beyond the slimmed-down dimensions, the UR-120 has a few other tricks up its sleeve to enhance wearability. Though the lugs flare outwards from the shaped case, they are articulated, meaning they adjust to the wrist and contour appropriately. You’ll still need a decent wrist to pull the watch off, but even those at the lower end of the threshold should be able to wear it comfortably.
The second element of wearability comes by way of the textured leather strap, which has been woven to evoke the look of ballistic fibre. Flexibly tapering down to a steel pin buckle, it maximises comfort on the wrist and ensures the watch remains an enjoyable daily wear. Water resistance is rated at 30m, so don’t expect the Blue Planet to take to the oceans.
We Salute You
In terms of the dial design, it’s more so a lack thereof. Not because Urwerk didn’t try, but because there isn’t one in the traditional sense. The movement, contrasting in warm gold, takes precedence over the openworked dial. A fine level of finishing does exist; I like the ripple-effect Urwerk has applied to the baseplate, adding a layer of intrigue beneath the satellite hours function.
Time is read through the arc at three o’clock, also coloured blue, with lumed Arabic numerals and a minute track. Another pop of contrast appears at the 60-minute mark, identifiable in green amidst the blue, white, and gold. The Arabic numerals of the satellite hours, as well as the horizontal fixed pointer, are also lumed to enable maximum legibility at night.
But the true magic — and this watch’s nickname — stems from the uniqueness of the satellite hours complication. Instead of relying on traditional pin-pushed rotation and cubed housings for the numerals, the satellite hours aperture splits in two, forming a “V” shape similar to the Vulcan salute.
It’s a striking demonstration of Urwerk’s mastery of mechanics, though one that takes some time to notice organically. Eventually, the two sections rotate and reunite at the top of the minute track, reassembled and displaying the next incoming hour.
Moving Mechanics
This incredible display of horology is powered by the Cal. UR-20.01, which has been a staple of the collection since its introduction in 2022. Beating at 4Hz (28,800VpH) with a 48-hour power reserve, it may not sound like much on paper, but Urwerk often over-engineers its watches to optimise them as much as possible. The Cal. UR-20.01 is exemplary of that approach.
The automatic movement is wound on the wrist by Urwerk’s proprietary Windfänger airscrew, which acts as an air brake that regulates the rotor’s winding intensity. In short, it optimises the rotor to generate as much power as possible while causing minimal wear to the movement. This makes the winding system of the UR-120 perhaps one of the most advanced in the industry, all by harnessing the power of air.
Initial Thoughts
While it’s always bittersweet to see a watch discontinued, these recent farewells feel like they’re marking a significant new chapter for Urwerk. The brand has always been in the business of refining its ideas over time, and whatever comes next after the UR-120 Blue Planet is bound to be a standout.
For now, we can only congratulate — and commiserate — the introduction of this final version of the collection. Combining Baumgartner and Frei’s unique horology with a sci-fi twist, the UR-120’s farewell delivers one last masterclass in contemporary watch design. May its legacy, as they say, “live long and prosper.”
Reference & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | N/A (Urwerk UR-120 Blue Planet – Final Edition) |
| Dimensions | 47mm case diameter x 44mm lug-to-lug x 15.8mm thickness |
| Case | Sandblasted blue PVD steel with articulated lugs |
| Dial | Openworked with blue, gold, white, & green accents |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Semi-open, sapphire & engraved |
| Movement | Automatic Cal.-UR 20.01 with Windfänger airscrew winding & satellite hours complication |
| Power Reserve | 48h |
| Beat Rate | 4Hz / 28,800VpH |
| Water Resistance | 30m / 3bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Blue patterned calfskin with blue steel pin buckle |