URWERK Unveils The UR-230 Polaris

By Haute Time December 25, 2024

URWERK has once again pushed the boundaries of watchmaking with the release of the UR-230 Polaris, a groundbreaking timepiece unveiled this month. This latest creation in the 230 series marks a bold departure from the brand’s traditional aesthetic, embracing a radiant white ceramic case that sets a new standard for the industry.

The UR-230 Polaris reflects the ethos of URWERK’s avant-garde design philosophy while maintaining the technical excellence that has solidified its reputation in haute horology. Crafted from a proprietary fiberglass-enhanced ceramic, the UR-230 Polaris introduces a material that balances toughness and lightness.

The layered composite structure comprises sheets of woven ceramic and fiberglass plies, which are bonded with a polymer resin. This innovative combination yields a material not only resistant to shattering but also visually striking, with its shimmering, uneven patterns.

The white resin, complemented by the light silver tones of the fiberglass, creates a unique interplay of textures, with surfaces that transition seamlessly between matte and glowing finishes. This meticulous design ensures each watch is an individual masterpiece.

The UR-230 Polaris case features a trapezoidal shape, elongated towards the 6 o’clock position, and measures 44.81 mm in width, 53.55 mm in length, and 18.38 mm in thickness. The sapphire crystal protects the watch face, while the black DLC-treated titanium caseback adds a sleek contrast.

This robust structure is water-resistant to 30 meters, emphasizing both style and functionality. The design draws inspiration from iconic space-age aesthetics, evoking the futuristic allure of films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and the pioneering spirit of NASA’s Apollo missions.

Inside this impressive exterior lies the URWERK caliber UR-7.30, a highly advanced automatic movement featuring a retrograde minute display and wandering hours. The mechanism employs a three-armed carousel with aluminum hour cubes that rotate along a 120-degree arc.

A skeletonized 3D retrograde minute hand, finished in white to complement the case, tracks the passage of time. This dynamic display is powered by a dual-barrel system, delivering a 48-hour power reserve and oscillating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz).

The watch also incorporates a revolutionary air-regulation system controlled by turbines designed to mitigate external shocks and optimize the winding process. Two independent knobs on the caseback allow users to adjust these functions, tailoring the watch’s performance to their activity levels. Whether worn during high-intensity activities or displayed as a collector’s item, the UR-230 Polaris demonstrates unmatched precision and resilience.

Attention to detail is evident in the finishes of the UR-230 Polaris. Hand-painted Super-LumiNova accents illuminate the hour markers, minute hand, and indicators. A bold combination of blue and red luminescence enhances readability while adding visual appeal.

The central carousel and various movement components, including ARCAP P40 baseplates and Grade 5 titanium screws, showcase the brand’s commitment to material excellence. Each element is crafted with a combination of sandblasting, anodizing, and micro-bead blasting to achieve a harmonious interplay of textures.

URWERK’s decision to embrace white as the defining color of the UR-230 Polaris represents a deliberate shift in creative direction. The contrast between the white ceramic case and the black DLC-coated titanium caseback echoes the juxtaposition of light and shadow, a recurring theme in URWERK’s design language.

Art director and co-founder Martin Frei describes the watch as an homage to space exploration, likening its aesthetic to the iconic Discovery One spaceship. This “NASA cool” factor adds a layer of cultural significance to the timepiece, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts who value both innovation and history.

The strap of the UR-230 Polaris is equally noteworthy. Made from vulcanized rubber with a velcro closure, it ensures a secure and comfortable fit. The strap’s durable construction complements the watch’s robust design, making it suitable for a variety of settings. Whether worn casually or during formal occasions, the UR-230 Polaris exudes a timeless sophistication that transcends trends.