Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New Urwerk UR-230 Polaris in White Ceramic
The 230 series design takes an interesting and bright turn.
Typically, Urwerk leans heavily on darker tones for its case designs, with few exceptions, such as the EMC Time Hunter in its Stormtrooper-like white ceramic. However, the new Urwerk UR-230 Polaris marks another bold and refreshing departure. With a case crafted from a ceramic-based white composite, this release feels surprising and perfectly natural, expanding the aesthetic possibilities for the recent UR-230 series.
The new Urwerk UR-230 Polaris case is made from an advanced ceramic-based composite, showcasing an intricate layered construction. Its polymer base is interwoven with sheets of ceramic and lightweight silver-toned fibreglass plies, enhancing structural strength. The resin encapsulating these fibre layers gives the case its striking white colour. As the complex shape is machined, the structure gets exposed, creating a visual effect that shifts with the interplay of light. Martin Frei, Urwerk’s art director and co-founder, reveals that the design draws inspiration from the futuristic aesthetics of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey Discovery 1 spaceship and NASA’s Apollo 11 era. “It’s got NASA cool written all over it”, he notes.
The UR-230 Polaris case may look very different, but it is just like last year’s Urwerk UR-230 Eagle black DLC-treated titanium and CTP (carbon thin-ply) carbon case, measuring 44.81mm wide, 53.55mm in length, and 18.38mm thick. One notable difference is the lack of a mobile cover to protect the sapphire crystal, with a specially developed braking device to ensure a gentle closure – the new UR-230 offers a permanent and unobstructed view of its satellite mechanism.
This new model also features the brand’s hallmark wandering hours on a revolving satellite complication. A three-armed carrousel carries rotating hour cubes, and the current hour is displayed on the cube nearest or pointing towards the wearer. Minutes are indicated by a three-dimensional retrograde hand that sweeps along a dedicated track. White Super-LumiNova is applied to the hour transporter, markers, and the automatic winding indicator for enhanced low-light legibility, emitting a blue glow. The 60-minute mark and the “Off” position for automatic winding are hand-painted with red lume (green glow), adding a touch of colour to the primarily black display.
The Urwerk UR-230 series is powered by the UR-7.30 calibre, a hermetically sealed, self-contained movement operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering a 48-hour power reserve. The movement incorporates a dual turbine system that minimizes the impact of external shocks and optimizes airflow to the winding mechanism. An adjustable “air brake” also allows fine-tuning of the winding efficiency.
The Urwerk UR-230 Polaris is paired with a white vulcanized rubber strap with a Velcro closure. This edition is limited to 35 pieces, and the price is CHF 150,000, excluding tax. For more, visit Urwerk.com.
