REVOLVING SATELLITE COMPLICATION WITH FLYBACK MINUTE HAND
The UR-210’s satellite complication with retrograde minute is both highly original and totally explosive. It also features a world-first complication – a winding efficiency indicator that indicates winding efficiency over the last two hours.
Flyback minute hand
The UR-210 features a high-tech, oversized, three-dimensional retrograde minute hand. Its function is to enclose the hour satellite and indicate the time as it transverses the 0-to-60-minute scale. This one-hour journey through time, traces a fluid-smooth 120° arc. But the true nature of the piece is revealed at the end of the 59th minute: A sharp distinct “click” signals the instantaneous return of the minute hand to its starting point. In less than 0.1 of a second the hand flies back to dock with the next hour satellite.
Retrograde system
This lightning fast retrograde system is based on three key elements:
A central axis set in ruby bearings provides excellent stability for the satellite/retrograde complication. A cylindrical marine chronometer type spring runs vertically around the axis and generates the optimal tension required for the retrograde minutes flyback.
The minute hand, which also forms a frame for the hour satellites, displays the time in an extraordinary way. Milled from solid aluminum to exacting tolerances of approximately 3 microns, the whole structure has a total weight of just 0.302g and is counter balanced by a brass weight. This three-dimensional cage offers rigidity as it transfers energy from the cylindrical flyback spring in the top center of the carrousel to the double-star gear underneath.
A double coaxial star-shaped cam regulates the retrograde mechanism through its gearing and its rotation defines the trajectory of the minute hand. When the minute hand reaches 60, the double star trips a (one of three) hockey-stick shaped spring under the mechanism, which liberates the minute to fly back to the next hour satellite at 0-minutes.
World-first complication: Winding efficiency indicator
This entirely new indication does not measure mainspring torque, but calculates the difference between energy consumed and energy replenished in the mainspring over the last two hours.
If in the red zone, the indicator informs the wearer that the movement is not being wound sufficiently by its automatic rotor and is consuming stored energy. If the indicator points towards the green zone, it is a sign that the mainspring is being replenished with new energy.
3-position selector switch
Adjustable dual turbines regulate the winding rate of the automatic winding system. A three-position switch on the back of the case selects winding efficiency options between Full, Reduced and Stop.
If your UR-210 indicates an insufficient supply of energy, you can position the winding efficiency selector (at the back of the watch) to “FULL”. The rotor will then convert the slightest movement into stored energy. In this configuration, a turbine connected to the rotor provides smooth, unimpeded power.
But if you are more active, then that may provide more power than required and unnecessarily wear the mechanism. In that case, you would position the winding efficiency selector to “REDUCED” to engage the rotor damping system. An air compressor mounted on ruby bearings spins and creates internal resistance – enough friction to slow down and dampen the automatic winding rotor.
In “STOP” mode, the automatic winding system is disabled completely and the UR-210 runs off reserve power and may require manual winding.
