Introducing: The Urwerk UR-100V Lightspeed Ceramic
Urwerk is always up to something fun, and today’s new UR-100V Lightspeed Ceramic is proof. While we’ve seen this complication before, it now comes with some novel material innovations. Let’s have a closer look.
It doesn’t feel like so long ago that we were visiting Urwerk’s headquarters during Geneva Watch Days. However, only six months later, we’re announcing pieces that we didn’t see during our trip. The forward-thinking brand moves quickly. Indeed, it’s moving at the speed of light with today’s introduction. Let’s have a look at the new UR-100V.
The Urwerk UR-100V Lightspeed Ceramic
Urwerk’s newest offering is, in fact, a variant of a watch we’ve previously seen. In 2024, my colleague Thomas reviewed the UR-100LS, a piece that debuted this thought-provoking complication. The new UR-100V maintains the original’s 43mm width, 51.73mm length, and 14.55mm thickness. It also keeps the theme of usability with a screw-down crown and a water resistance rating of 50 meters. Two textured rubber straps, black and white, ship with the watch and include a deployant clasp.
In fact, the matte black dial and various indicator colors are consistent with the original model. So, what’s different? Urwerk developed a new ceramic case that solves a fundamental issue of the material — brittleness. Essentially, the composite has glass and carbon fibers within a polymer matrix. The latter is bright white, and the fibers are silver. Photos don’t likely do this case justice because the contrasting colors give depth to what would otherwise be a very plasticky material.
A spaced-out display
A glance at the UR-100V Lightspeed Ceramic could easily provide the impression of an upside-down movement with a rotor as a dial. However, that’s not the case. The company’s signature satellite displays are happily at work in tandem with a retrograde minute display. Hours are displayed on a rotating disc at the bottom of the dial that traverses along the minute arc. Additionally, a blue and green hand attached to the central pinion points toward the eight planets and the time it takes light to reach them from the Sun. This hand rotates every three hours and disappears under the minute track for a third of the time. Is it an abstract complication? You bet.
The UR12.02 movement
The force behind the UR-100V Lightspeed Ceramic is the automatic UR12.02. It’s on display through a Grade 5 titanium and sapphire case back. While the design may be industrial, this is a high-end luxury piece. Therefore, touches such as circular graining, satin finishing, sandblasting, and shot-blasting remind us of the quality. Regarding performance, the caliber runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 48-hour power reserve.
A crisp option
Urwerk states that the new UR-100V Lightspeed Ceramic is a limited offering but refrains from mentioning the number of pieces. I suppose that the brand’s clientele can inquire. What we do know is the price. For CHF 67,000, the watch is just CHF 2,000 more expensive than the original 2024 release. Let’s call that a relatively nice surprise in this day and age of rampant cost increases. With its new case material and brighter complexion, the UR-100V Lightspeed Ceramic looks like a fine choice.
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