You never know quite what to expect from Urwerk, a brand that makes predator-like watches in a style all of its own.
So far, the color scheme has tended towards the darker end of the spectrum, though, so the heavy use of white in the latest release is a new departure.
This is the second release in the 230 series, which sits within the Satellite range of watches that use a unique rotating module with digital hours and retrograde minutes.
The UR-230 Polaris is made of a proprietary ceramic-based composite, a polymer with intertwined fiberglass sheets.
“The usual ceramics are hard, but it’s also what makes them a liability,” said Felix Baumgartner, master watchmaker and co-founder of URWERK. “These materials are heat-sintered, which makes them prone to shattering in case of a strong impact. We had to go past that limitation. So we decided to develop a ceramic, by and for ourselves. Thanks to the glass fibers it contains, it doesn’t break.”
The look of the watch takes inspiration from Stanley Kubrick’s seminal 1960s space movie.
“The white case outside and the black movement of the UR-230 Polaris, especially with a white strap on, are strongly reminiscent of the aesthetics of 2001: A Space Odyssey,” said Martin Frei, Urwerk art director and co-founder.
He added: “They’re a throwback to Kubrick’s breathtaking set designs and the iconic Discovery 1 spaceship. This design also hints at the entire Apollo 11 aesthetics as created by NASA, where white was used as a heat shield, an absolute requirement of space dwelling. This watch is not only elegant, it’s also got NASA cool written all over it.”
The new watch is also the first use of Urwerk’s “world-first” shock absorption system, which uses mini turbines to reduce the effect of external shocks.
It is powered by Urwerk’s UR-7.30 automatic movement with 48-hour reserve, and comes on a vulcanized rubber strap.
The Urwerk UR-230 Polaris is a limited edition of 35 watches and costs CHF 150,000 plus taxes.