BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
When Urwerk launches something new, we only know one thing for sure; it’s not going to be boring. The very unorthodox watchmaker has just launched the next iteration of their UR-230 series, the Polaris.
The UR-230 Polaris breaks the mold with its striking white ceramic-based composite case reinforced with fiberglass, measuring 44.81mm x 18.38mm and 53.55mm in lug-to-lug direction. It’s a material typically reserved for aerospace and medical industries and the white color is a departure from Urwerk’s typical dark color palette. Water resistance is 30 meters (3 ATM).
On the dial, UR-230’s unique satellite display system occupies the majority of the space under the domed sapphire crystal, where three rotating satellite modules, each carrying hour numerals, orbit a central axis. As time progresses, the active satellite moves to indicate the current hour, providing a scintillating visual experience. A retrograde minute hand sweeps across the dial and two additional indicators are symmetrically placed on the upper corners of the display indicating airflow for the “Air-Brake” system at 11 o’clock and the rotor engagement status display at 1 o’clock. The indications are hand-painted with Super-LumiNova where white elements glow blue and red accents glow green.
A display caseback showcases the brilliance behind the scenes, the Caliber UR-7.30 automatic movement, running at 28,800vph (4 Hz) with a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. It features Urwerk’s signature satellite hour display and includes two unique shock-resistant technologies: a rotor disengagement knob and an “Air-Brake” turbine system.
The UR-230 Polaris is paired with a white vulcanized rubber strap featuring a velcro closure and a cut-out for the crown. Limited to 35 pieces, it retails for CHF 150,000 (approx. USD $170,000).
