Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Final Urwerk UR-230, The Black Star Edition
Urwerk concludes the 230 collection chapter with the Black Star, before the next model in 2026.
For every good story, there is an end. First presented in 2023, the UR-230 series was Urwerk’s latest creation in the beloved 200 series, following the long-lived UR-210 and the short-lived UR-220. Built around the same design principles as its predecessors, and still featuring the immediately recognisable satellite display we have loved since 2006, the UR-230 Eagle incorporated new functions such as the dual variable-geometry turbine and hybrid winding system. The subsequent UR-230 Polaris launched with a stormtrooper-like ceramic attire. And now, the UR-230 Black Star comes back to traditional colour schemes of black and yellow. But mostly, it is the final chapter in this collection. But this isn’t the end of the saga. More to come next year…
The UR-230 introduced a newly developed yet familiar, aerodynamic-shaped case. First, with the Eagle, we were treated to a black DLC-treated titanium and CTP (carbon thin-ply) carbon case, equipped with a mobile cover crafted from the same material to protect the sapphire crystal – a classic Urwerk design. Next, the UR-230 Polaris took a bright turn in advanced ceramic-based composite, with a layered construction. The final edition of the UR-230, the Black Star, couldn’t be more familiar in style, but not in material. It may look different from the Polaris, but it’s just the same case, measuring 44.81mm in width and 53.55mm in length.
The 230 collection triptych is now complete with a black and yellow model, with a case made from a hermetic titanium container (30m water-resistant) designed as a mechanical safe. Surrounding it a a composite ceramic case and a black DLC titanium back form the UR-230’s shell. It is made from a laminated composite ceramic developed specifically for Urwerk, where layers of braided ceramic, fibreglass and carbon fibre have been integrated into a polymer matrix. And when machined, it reveals a shiny relief with sparkling dots.
Looking at the dial of this UR-230 Black Star, we have the same highly original and complex display, an evolution of the 210 and 220 series, with its satellite complication with wandering hours and a retrograde 3D hand, and a central hub that connects three cubic hours satellites. These four-sided blocks move across a 120-degree sector in 60 minutes. The active hour – the one scrolling along this minutes rail – is taken charge of and put into orbit by an openworked retrograde hand that accompanies it throughout its journey from index 0 to 60. At the end of 60 minutes, the hand instantly flies back to zero to take charge of the next satellite. The whole dial is here executed in shades of grey and black, with yellow luminous accents.
In addition to the time display, the watch also includes several complex indications. The watch integrated a self-winding movement (Vaucher base) regulated by an exclusive dual turbine system. One absorbs external shocks while the other regulates the air flow of the automatic winding mechanism, acting as a true aerodynamic brake. A control on the back allows the rotor load to be adjusted or even completely deactivated to switch to manual-winding mode. Two symmetrical indicators – at 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock – display these settings. The movement, calibre UR-7.30, is delivering 50 hours of power reserve.
Worn on a yellow vulcanised rubber strap with velcro closing, the Urwerk UR-230 Black Star is a limited edition of 35 pieces, each priced at CHF 150,000 (excl. taxes). As explained by the brand, “the Black Star concludes the 230 collection chapter. The end of a story, but with new adventures to follow in 2026…” Wait and see what Urwerk has in mind. More details at urwerk.com.
