Inspired by a model of a linear watch made in 1958 by Louis Cottier for Patek Philippe (but remained a prototype and never produced), the result of more than three years of research, development, production and testing, the UR-CC1 displays two horizontal indications on two cylinders: one for the (jumping) hours, the other for the retrograde minutes.
A vertical triple-cam operating a toothed rack (visible through a window in the side of the case) rotates the minute cylinder. From zero to sixty minutes, the minute cylinder rotates through 300°. On arriving at the 60-minute mark the cylinder instantly (1/10th of a second) reverses back to its original position thanks to an extra-flat linear spring. The retrograde movement of the minute cylinder triggers the hour cylinder to advance (jump) one complete hour. The triple-cam is crafted from bronze beryllium, a metal selected for its inherently self-lubricating properties and low co-efficient of friction, and takes the form of three small inclines. The precise shape of the curve of the incline is relayed to the pivoting rack, while the teeth on the end of the rack mesh with and rotate the minute cylinder. The triple-cam makes a complete rotation in three hours so that each of the three inclines takes 60 minutes and 180 points of reference have been calculated on each of the three cams to ensure the precise and isochronic rotation of the minute cylinder.
The dial of the UR-CC1 is animated by a rotating disc displaying the seconds both digitally and linearly – a world first! This incredible exploit was achieved thanks to Mimotec’s photolithography production technique; the procedure is even more precise than electro-erosion. To reduce mass to an absolute minimum, the minuscule numerals were even skeletonised. A small tab at 10 seconds bearing the URWERK logo precisely counterbalances the disc's single-digit numbers. This marvel of micro-precision weighs only 0.09 grammes. UR-CC1 features Urwerk’s pneumatic shock-absorbing Rotor Fly Brake automatic winding system, which minimizes rotor and mechanism wear and damage from shock and harsh movements. The operation of the Rotor Fly Brake is visible through a window on the side of the case.The UR-CC1 is available in either white gold with titanium case back (limited edition of 25 pieces) or black gold with titanium case back (limited edition of 25 pieces) brushed-satin finish.







Source: Europa Star October-November 2009 Magazine Issue