Urwerk UR-103 Platinum 'Targa'

While certain alternative time-telling displays can feel contrived, the ‘wandering hours’ complication always imparts a sense of wonder.

Developed in the 17the century, it largely disappeared by the turn of the 20th century, to be revived by Audemars Piguet in the form of its Starwheel collection in 1991. Sophisticated and whimsical, the wandering hours display forms the basis of much of high-end independent company Urwerk’s output.

The brainchild of Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei, Urwerk has been pushing the horological envelope since 1997, designing cutting-edge timepieces that beg closer examination. In 2022, it reworked its well known UR-100 series into a special timepiece that references one of the world’s most beloved science fiction characters, Commander Spock from Star Trek.

Housed in a 36mm x 50mm platinum case with a curved sapphire crystal, the UR-103 ‘Targa’ has a striking platinum grooved case with an open wandering hours display.

This system is maddeningly complex and ultimately involves multiple axial rotations: thesatellites rotate around the dial upon a central axis; the splitting hour displays rotate around their own axes; and each satellitecounter-spins to maintain legibility and remain upright. Powered by a manually wound movement with, the result is a symphony of movement that positively captivates the wearer in its sophistication and creativity.

Paired to ablack alligator leather strap and shipping with its factory goodies, the UR-103 ‘Targa’ platinum is a window into the future of mechanical watchmaking — one whose novel approach to timekeeping simply never wears off.