Introducing Urwerk Unveils the UR-230 "Black Star"

URWERK Ends the Year with the UR-230 “Black Star”. The independent brand unveils its latest creation, the UR-230 “Black Star,” cloaked in a deep, light-absorbing black. URWERK confirms that this model marks the conclusion of the 230 collection, a final chapter that sets the stage for new adventures in 2026.

The UR-230 “Black Star” stands out in multiple ways, beginning with its construction. The UR-7.30 calibre is secured within a hermetically sealed titanium container, designed as a mechanical safe. Surrounding this protected core is a composite ceramic case, complemented by a titanium caseback treated with black DLC, forming the watch’s robust outer shell. This model continues the lineage of the UR-230 series, following the white-ceramic Polaris edition and the carbon Eagle edition.

This UR-230 “Black Star” is original in more ways than one. First, there is its structure. The Calibre UR-7.30 powering this creation is protected by a hermetic titanium container designed as a mechanical safe. Surrounding this highly protected heart, a composite ceramic case and a black DLC titanium back form the UR-230's shell.

The design features a trapezoidal shape with pronounced elongation toward the 6 o’clock position, a staggered layout encircling the sapphire apertures, and an ergonomically placed crown at 12 o’clock. Its sharp yet softened angles are executed seamlessly, while the caseback, crafted from grooved black DLC titanium offers a comfortable, dermo-compatible fit. The watch measures 53.55 mm in length, 44.81 mm in width, and 14.30 mm in thickness, with a water resistance of 30 m.

The original, high-performance case of the UR-230 “Black Star” is made from a laminated composite ceramic developed specifically for URWERK: layers of braided ceramic, fibreglass, and carbon fibre are integrated into a polymer matrix. When machined, this unique ceramic reveals a shiny relief. Its flat, smooth surface is illuminated with sparkling dots, creating a dense, vibrant black-light texture.

The UR-230 Black Star retains the signature Wandering Hours system found in the UR-230 Eagle and Polaris. This display consists of three-armed carousels, each carrying four numerals that scroll along a 120-degree sector, with the active numeral pointing toward the wearer. Embedded in a skeletonized aluminium 3D retrograde hand, the minute display completes its journey every 60 minutes, returning to zero before engaging the next hour’s numeral.

Components are hand-painted with Super-LumiNova™: yellow glowing blue for the hour-markers; yellow glowing blue for the automatic indication; red glowing green for the 60-minute marker and the OFF position of the automatic indicator; green for the ON indication.

Two innovative features accompany this display system. The first is a world-first shock-absorber mechanism using turbines designed to protect the UR-7.30 movement. The first turbine set absorbs external shocks to ensure the movement’s robustness and durability. A second set regulates airflow, functioning as an “air brake” that modulates winding power based on the wearer’s activity. This adjustment is controlled via a rotating knob on the caseback.

The UR-230 Black Star is powered by the UR-7.30 calibre, a movement combining both automatic and manual winding modes. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the UR-7.30 offers a 48-hour power reserve powered by two barrels and features a bronze counterweight for balance and stability. This movement is securely housed within a protective structure referred to as a container.

Additionally, a secondary switch allows the wearer to completely disengage the rotor, switching the UR-230 Black Star to manual-winding mode. Both of these adjustments are visually indicated by two symmetrical displays located at 11 and 1 o’clock on the dial.

The UR-230 Black Star comes fitted with a vulcanized yellow rubber strap, “Kiska” reference, closed with a matching fastening system. It is limited to 35 pieces. Priced at CHF 150,000, equivalent to AED 683,250.

For further information, visit the official Urwerk website.