In the ever-evolving world of horology, URWERK stands as a beacon of innovation, constantly redefining the boundaries of contemporary watchmaking. The launch of the UR-230 Polaris marks a pivotal moment for the independent Maison, showcasing a watch that is as much a statement of material mastery as it is of creative vision. With its pure white case forged from a pioneering ceramic composite and an intricate mechanism housed within, the Polaris is more than a watch—it is an object of mechanical art and a testament to the spirit of exploration.

For decades, URWERK’s creations have been synonymous with a darker aesthetic, an approach steeped in muted tones and matte finishes. The Polaris departs from this tradition, entering a realm defined by light and brilliance. The ceramic-based composite of the case, meticulously crafted to achieve both resilience and visual beauty, is a triumph of engineering. White has often been seen as an unforgiving hue in watchmaking—a surface where flaws are magnified, and fragility becomes apparent. Yet, URWERK has turned these challenges into an opportunity, producing a material that is at once tough, versatile, and breathtakingly elegant.

The result is a watch that feels both futuristic and grounded in history, a meeting point between avant-garde design and time-honoured craft. The UR-230 Polaris is not a reinvention of the wheel; instead, it is a natural continuation of URWERK’s core philosophy—merging technical ingenuity with emotional resonance.

At its core, the Polaris demonstrates URWERK’s ability to solve some of the long-standing challenges of modern materials. Traditional ceramics, admired for their rigidity and scratch resistance, have often fallen short when subjected to significant external shock. URWERK master watchmaker and co-founder Felix Baumgartner sought to transcend this limitation, developing a proprietary ceramic-based composite infused with glass fibers. The resulting material is not only hard but also remarkably resistant to fracturing—a feat that elevates the Polaris beyond conventional expectations.

The case itself is a marvel of visual complexity. The composite material, layered with precision, produces a subtle interplay of textures as light passes over its surface. Depending on the angle and curvature, the watch transitions seamlessly between a matte and shimmering finish, offering a dynamic visual experience that shifts with every glance. This juxtaposition of textures is reminiscent of the natural brilliance seen in layers of polar ice—an ethereal quality that lends the Polaris its name and spirit.

While its external form speaks of bold material exploration, the UR-230 Polaris remains deeply rooted in URWERK’s horological DNA. At the heart of the watch is the patented wandering hours display, an emblem of the Maison's technical mastery. Mounted on a three-armed carousel, aluminum hour blocks rotate across a 120-degree arc, creating a constant and intuitive flow of time. The 3D retrograde minute hand, a skeletal aluminum structure echoing the case’s clean white aesthetic, performs a mesmerizing dance. Upon completing its 60-minute journey, it resets with a crisp retrograde motion, seamlessly connecting to the next hour.

Ensuring the Polaris can withstand the rigours of daily wear, URWERK has introduced a groundbreaking shock absorption system. Twin turbines protect the UR-7.30 caliber, a technical innovation that guarantees both durability and precision. One turbine attenuates external shocks, while the other regulates airflow to optimize the winding mechanism. For wearers, this level of control over the watch’s performance represents an intimate partnership with the mechanical heart that beats within.

The Polaris' case design, with its elongated trapezoidal silhouette and its crown positioned at 12 o’clock, is unmistakably URWERK. Yet, this all-white aesthetic brings a sense of lightness and modernity to the form, challenging conventional perceptions of what a technical watch can be. Complemented by a black DLC-coated titanium caseback and a durable vulcanised rubber strap, the Polaris achieves a perfect balance between form and function.

With a production limited to just 35 pieces, the UR-230 Polaris stands as a rare and refined offering for collectors who appreciate both mechanical innovation and artistic expression. Its price, set at CHF 150,000, reflects the dedication to detail and the exceptional craftsmanship involved in its creation.

In the end, the URWERK UR-230 Polaris is not simply a watch. It is a celebration of material science, mechanical brilliance, and design philosophy. For those who seek to explore the frontiers of horology, the Polaris serves as both a guiding light and a lasting reminder that the pursuit of perfection is an endless, yet deeply rewarding, journey.

Want to discover more about the URWERK UR-230 Polaris and its other collections? Check out our catalogue to learn more about the Manufacture or drop us a message to enquire further.