In an era where the lines between science fiction and reality blur, certain constants remain unassailably solid, serving as anchors in our rapidly evolving understanding of the universe. Among these constants, the speed of light, clocking in at an awe-inspiring 299,792,458 kilometres per second, stands out as a beacon of both scientific marvel and imaginative wonder. This figure, denoted by the symbol “c,” is not just a cornerstone of modern physics but also a symbol of ultimate velocity, the threshold beyond which lies the realm of energy propagation, accessible only to those well-versed in the mysteries of the cosmos.
The speed of light evokes the revolutionary ideas of Einstein’s theory of relativity as much as it conjures images of distant galaxies traversed by the likes of Star Wars Jedi and the captains from Star Trek. To master this speed is to leap into hyperspace, to challenge the very fabric of physical laws, and to navigate the multiverse’s myriad dimensions. It’s an odyssey that echoes the quests of the most daring explorers, from Stargate’s Goa’uld strategists to the Spacing Guild navigators of Dune.
Against this backdrop of interstellar ambition, URWERK’s UR-100V LightSpeed emerges as a tangible manifestation of humanity’s quest to unify time, space, and light. Martin Frei, URWERK’s artistic director and co-founder, describes wearing the UR-100V LightSpeed as akin to “having a piece of the universe on your wrist.” This timepiece is not merely a watch; it’s a portable cosmos, a scaled vision of our universe made accessible on the human wrist.
The UR-100V LightSpeed is a marvel of horological engineering, featuring a 3D planetarium that maps the light journey from the Sun to eight celestial bodies within our solar system. From the 8.3 minutes it takes for sunlight to reach Earth to the 35 minutes to Jupiter, the watch narrates the silent ballet of light travelling across the void of space, a testament to the vast distances and ephemeral beauty that define our solar neighbourhood.
This narrative of cosmic light and its traversal times across the planets serves as a profound reminder of our place in the universe. As Felix Baumgartner, URWERK’s master watchmaker and co-founder, reflects, the light reaching us from distant stars is but an echo of a past, a reminder of the impermanent nature of existence.
The stars we observe today may no longer shine, yet their light continues to tell their stories across the ages.
Retailing at SGD 106,000 with tax, the UR-100V “LightSpeed” is more than a timepiece. Find out more here.
