The UR-110 indicates time by means of a revolving satellite complication on planetary gears featuring three parallel hour/minute modules resembling torpedoes. The time is displayed on the right side of the watch, with the satellites following a vertical line - 0 to 60 minutes - in a downward motion. The ingenuity of this layout lies in allowing the wearer to view the time discreetly and elegantly without the need to pull back a cuff.
Enveloped in a secure titanium/steel case, a central carousel provides the complication with stability and equilibrium, while planetary gearing keeps the three counter-balanced time modules in parallel formation. The dial side Control Board features small seconds; an "Oil Change" indicator to alert the user when it is time for a service; and a Day/Night indicator to help keep track of changing time zones. Visible on the back, twin air turbines minimize wear in the automatic winding system.
Dial Side
The architecture of the revolving satellite complication of the UR-110 has three levels of complexity: a central carousel providing the mechanism with stability and equilibrium; planetary gearing assuring the parallel rotation of the three hour satellites as they orbit the dial; and three counter-rotating hour modules - each comprising an hour satellite, minute hand and counter balance - mounted on a planetary gear. These three modules are in constant counter-rotation to counteract the direction of rotation of the central carousel. Small seconds, a Day/Night indicator and an Oil Change indicator complete the complications.
Back side
The automatic winding system of the UR-110 is regulated by fluid dynamics of dual air turbines. As long ago as the 18th century, clockmakers were using air friction to regulate the speed of chiming clocks, and their techniques evolved to become the preferred method of regulating the rate of chimes on minute-repeaters. With the UR-110, URWERK use the two turbines to minimize shocks when the uni-direction winding system is winding and minimize wear when the winding rotor is freewheeling in the opposite direction.
