UR-230 Polaris

• Limited Edition: Limited edition of 35 timepieces
• Case: Exclusive white ceramic developed in collaboration with URWERK
• Size: w 44.81 mm x L 53.55 x 18.38 mm thick
• Movement: Selfwinding UR-7.30
• Power Reserve: approximately 48 hrs
• Water Resistance: Pressure tested at 3ATM (30m)
• Dial: Wandering hours on a revolving satellite complication (URWERK patented); 3D retrograde minute hand; Air brake system for winding regulation; Automatic winding on/off indicator.
• Caseback: Black DLC-treated titanium with sapphire crystal
• Strap/Bracelet: Vulcanised rubber ©, "Kiska" reference with Velcro closure

The UR-230 Polaris is made of a layered, ceramic-based composite, carved from a block of proprietary fiberglass-enhanced ceramic. Its polymer base houses sheets of woven ceramic, intertwined with fiberglass plies. Used in the airspace, medical and henceforth, watchmaking industries, this new and high-performance material combines the advantages of each of its constituents.  The resin that encapsulates the fiber-based sheets is colored white, while the fiberglass is a very light silver. Machining the case into its complex shape reveals the finely stacked layers, with a varying effect depending on the curve and angle. 

The new UR-230 Polaris is a sophisticated version of the revolving satellite complication. On a three-armed carousel, rotating blocks each carry four hours’ numerals. They scroll along a 120-degree section, with the face of the current hour pointing towards the observer.  These display cubes are embedded in an aluminum 3D retrograde hand to display the minutes. The skeletonized hand is also white. At the end of its 60-minute journey, it returns to index 0, where it takes charge of the cube displaying the next hour.

This ceramic iteration showcases the UR-230’s new functions, a world-first set of shock absorbers designed to protect the new UR-7.30 caliber via turbines. The first set of turbines is dedicated to attenuating the impact of any external shock, thereby guaranteeing the robustness and durability of the watch.  A second set controls the flow of air that feeds the winding system. The strength of this “air brake”, designed to modulate the winding power according to the wearer’s level of activity, is set by a rotating knob on the back of the watch. A second switch opposite the first serves to disengage the rotor entirely. The UR-230 Polaris then switches to manual winding mode. Two symmetrical indicators indicate the level of adjustment of these two functions at 11 and 1 o’clock.

Inside the case, the UR-7.30 caliber is encased in a hermetically sealed container resembling a strongbox. The white ceramic case and black DLC titanium caseback are harnessed to a Vulcanised rubber strap around it.