Urwerk UR-230 Polaris

Radiant and iridescent, the second chapter in URWERK’s 230 series introduces a fresh aesthetic and groundbreaking material. With a stark white case crafted from fiberglass-enhanced ceramic, the UR-230 Polaris ventures into new territory. Historically defined by dark and muted tones, URWERK takes a bold leap into brightness, pairing its technical prowess with an audacious visual transformation.

Just one year after the debut of the UR-230 Eagle, the inaugural model in this series, URWERK has shifted gears dramatically. While the technical foundation of the watch remains unchanged, the Polaris’s immaculate white exterior signals a fresh, innovative direction. The material, developed exclusively for this purpose, underscores URWERK’s commitment to pushing boundaries. The case of the UR-230 Polaris is made from a cutting-edge ceramic-based composite. It features a polymer matrix interwoven with ceramic and fiberglass layers, resulting in a material that excels in performance across industries like aerospace and medicine.

The choice of white wasn’t arbitrary. The resin used to bind the fiberglass sheets is dyed white, while the fiberglass itself has a light silver hue. The machining process reveals intricate, layered patterns on the case, offering a dynamic play of texture and light. Depending on the angle, the case alternates between matte and subtle luminosity, creating a finish that feels alive and ever-changing.

This distinctive look complements the black UR-7.30 movement housed within the case. Martin Frei, URWERK’s art director and co-founder, draws inspiration from cinematic and aerospace design: “The white case and black movement, especially when paired with a white strap, evoke the aesthetics of 2001: A Space Odyssey. The design recalls the Discovery 1 spacecraft and the clean, functional elegance of NASA’s Apollo missions. This watch carries an unmistakable air of space-age sophistication.”

At the heart of the UR-230 Polaris lies URWERK’s hallmark satellite display. The system features a carousel with three rotating arms, each holding four-hour numerals. As the carousel turns, the current hour aligns with a retrograde minute hand, creating a smooth yet dynamic reading of time.

This hand, made from lightweight aluminum and painted white to match the case, travels across the minute scale before snapping back to zero. The retrograde motion is seamless, reflecting URWERK’s precision engineering. The Polaris introduces an innovative system of turbines designed to protect its movement and regulate its winding mechanism. One set of turbines absorbs impacts, ensuring the watch’s durability. The second manages airflow to modulate the winding system, adjusting based on the wearer’s activity level.

The back of the watch features two controls: one to adjust the air brake and another to disengage the rotor entirely, allowing for manual winding. Twin indicators at 11 and 1 o’clock display the settings for these functions, ensuring optimal customization for every wearer. The Polaris retains the trapezoidal case design that has become synonymous with URWERK. Its elongated shape, angular sapphire apertures, and 12 o’clock crown are hallmarks of the brand’s distinctive aesthetic.

Despite the radical change in material and colour, the watch’s form remains rooted in URWERK’s DNA. Inside, the UR-7.30 movement is sealed in a black DLC titanium case back, reinforcing its strength. The white ceramic case is paired with a vulcanized rubber strap, offering both comfort and durability.