Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New Urwerk UR-230 Eagle, A Summary of Everything Urwerk
The satellite display we have loved since 2006 is back, now presented in a beautifully aggressive case, and with turbines on the back.
In 2020, Urwerk bid farewell to the UR-210, one of its most iconic watches, with the announcement of its final edition. Shortly after that, the UR-220 Falcon emerged, retaining the easily recognizable features of its predecessor while introducing a new case, redesigned movement, and additional functions. Fast forward three years, Urwerk founders Baumgartner and Frei unveil the UR-230, affectionately named the “Eagle”, to replace the UR-220, proclaimed gone forever in 2022. This new UR-230 model maintains the satellite display concept of the UR-220, incorporates new functions such as the dual variable-geometry turbine and hybrid winding system, and features a case with a protective cover. Let’s delve into this latest addition to the Urwerk predators family.
The UR-230 arrives in a newly developed yet familiar, aerodynamic-shaped, black DLC-treated titanium and CTP (carbon thin-ply) carbon case, now equipped with a mobile cover crafted from the same material to protect the sapphire crystal. The cover has a “beak-shaped” edge for easy lifting to view the whole of the dial, and a specially developed braking device ensures a gentle closure, assuring the lid gently rests on the sapphire crystal and clips into place. With dimensions of 44.81mm in width, 53.55mm in length, and 18.38mm in thickness, the UR-230 is a sizable timepiece, something undoubtedly Urwerk enthusiasts are accustomed to.
With the cover fully open, the dial of the UR-230 reveals the signature revolving satellite complication, a distinctive Urwerk wondering hours feature. The three-armed grade 5 titanium carrousel carries rotating blocks, each displaying four hours’ numerals. They scroll along a 120-degree section, with the face of the current hour pointing towards the observer. Minutes are displayed through an aluminium 3D retrograde hand with embedded cubes. Various Super-LumiNova mixes enhance visibility with a yellow, white, green, and red glow for different indicators.
Note mentions of the functions – the air brake on the upper left and the switch to the manual winding mode opposite, indicated by the on/off. The UR-230 introduces a unique set of shock absorbers via turbines to protect the new UR-7.30 calibre. One set diminishes the impact of external shocks, ensuring robustness, while the second controls the airflow feeding the winding system. The strength of the “air brake,” designed to modulate winding power based on the wearer’s activity level, is set by a rotating knob on the watch’s back.
The UR-7.30 calibre, housed in a hermetically sealed container for added protection, delivers a 48-hour power reserve from a single barrel. It features a Swiss lever escapement and a flat hairspring, beating at 28,800vph. This calibre showcases a variety of applied finishes, like fine sandblasting and circular satin finish, with some parts shot-peened.
The new Urwerk UR-230 “Eagle” is secured with a Vulcarbonised rubber strap by Kiska and closed with a black DLC-treated buckle with Velcro fastening. Urwerk will produce only 35 pieces; the price is CHF 180,000, tax excluded. We will come back on this watch once we have the chance to get our hands on an example for photos. For more details, visit urwerk.com.
