Posts filed under Ulysse Nardin

Insider: Ulysse Nardin Moonstruck. An Astronomical Watch with Moon Phases and Tidal Status.

Seventeen years after the completion of the historical astronomical 'Trilogy of Time' Ulysse Nardin has developed another revolutionary astronomical timepiece with the distinct DNA of Dr. Ludwig Oechslin. Dr. Ludwig Oechslin’s concept focused on the system of sun, earth and moon, concentrating on the scientifically accurate depiction of the moon phase, and the global influence of lunar and solar gravitation, resulting in the ebb and flow of the tides.

The Ulysse Nardin Moonstruck ref. 1069-113 in platinum is truly an astronomical watch where by combining the movement of two sapphire crystal rotating discs in one display, the moon phase indication is so precise that more than 100,000 years will have to pass before it shows a full moon rather than a new moon —or vice versa. The Moonstruck simulates the rotation of the moon around the earth, as well as the apparent movement of the sun around the globe. The latter is shown by another disc, rotating once every 24 hours. This permits the determination of the current moon phase in relation to any location in the world. This fascinating watch fitted with a robust platinum case measuring 46 mm in diameter and a blue alligator strap with folding buckle is definitely one of the most interesting complications one can see on someone's wrist. This watch is available in a limited edition of 500 pieces in platinum and 500 pieces in 18K red gold as ref. 1062-113.

The Moonstruck features a hand-painted earth over a mother-of-pearl dial that indicates the position of sun and moon in relation to earth, the moon phases, hours and minutes and a second time zone. The Moonstruck also shows the global dynamics of tides that depend upon the gravitational effects of Moon and Sun. This revolutionary mechanical wristwatch illustrates the current tidal status and trend in relation to specific coastlines or oceans. The cumulative influences of the Moon and Sun which result in spring tides are also clearly shown. To guarantee uncompromised readability, the watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.

While the date is indicated via the fixed blue ceramic bezel with silver engraved numbers, the second time zone is indicated via the outer chapter ring of the dial with the 24 hours marked with gold numbers. The Moonstruck features the Ulysse Nardin patented time zone quick-setting adjustment buttons —marked with a plus and minus sign respectively— where the wearer can advance or back the second time zone indicating ring with the push of a button. A small rose gold plate bearing the watch's case number is located right in between these buttons.

Overall, the highly polished platinum case is very nicely finished but quite prone to swirl marks and scratches. The winding crown is made of matte blue ceramic and capped with a platinum ring on top. The case lugs are thick and solid and they create the perfect balance along with the elegant alligator strap on the watch.

The beating heart inside this exceptional timepiece is the in-house Ulysse Nardin automatic calibre UN-106 which provides a power reserve of approximately 50 hours when fully wound. The beautifully finished calibre bears the traditional Le Locle Ulysse Nardin seal, circular 'Côtes de Genève' finish on the bridges and a 22K white gold oscillating weight with a blue insert that contains an anchor. The calibre is fully visible via the display case back offering a real treat for the eyes. Despite its display case back, this watch is waterproof rated to a depth of a 100 meters.

On the wrist, the watch feels slightly bigger than its actual size, very heavy but quite comfortable as the shape of the watch lugs allow for a perfect fit around the wrist. Now, the only down side to this watch, is that anyone intending to wear it, should have a wrist with a circumference of at least 7.25". While is somewhat complicated to read the time on this watch and understand all the different indications that this watch provides, we still feel that its wrist presence is just exceptional. Next time you are traveling the seven seas in your Wally 118, make sure one of this beautiful watches is strapped to your wrist.

Sticker Price $125,500 USD. For more info on Ulysse Nardin click here.

Posted on February 21, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Other Brands, Ulysse Nardin and tagged Ulysse Nardin Moonstruck ref. 1069-113.

News: Pre-Baselworld 2014 Ulysse Nardin Presents the Dual Time Manufacture. A Fascinating Dual Time Complication.

The Ulysse Nardin Dual Time Manufacture has being released as a pre-Baselworld first look. This timepiece enables the second time zone and date to be adjusted both forward and backward. Like the Marine collection, it is now equipped with a movement that has been developed and manufactured entirely in-house. Never before had a watchmaker so perfectly fulfilled the desire for comfort of frequent travelers and explorers. Part of an iconic Ulysse Nardin collection, the launch of the Dual Time Manufacture was a significant milestone in the history of contemporary watchmaking. For the first time, it was possible to adjust the second time zone forward as well as backward. Now, this incredible timepiece returns equipped with an automatic movement that has been developed, designed and manufactured entirely in-house: caliber UN-334. Endowed with a Big Date double window display, also adjustable in both directions, it boasts a silicon escapement, the height of watchmaking technology that very few brands are able to master. Complex to work with, its manufacturing techniques remain the prerogative of just a handful of watchmakers. The self-winding movement, a technological gem, is showcased through a sapphire case-back.

Independence through innovation: the Ulysse Nardin Manufacture constantly pursues the steep but extraordinarily worthwhile path it chose to take a few years ago. Offering hours, minutes, oversized small seconds at 6 o’clock, a big date double window display and second time zone functions, the Dual Time Manufacture is without doubt one of the easiest watches to read and adjust on the market. While the “home time” indicator advances steadily over 24 hours in an aperture at 9 o’clock, the small hand can easily be aligned with local time, either forward or backward. This is achieved simply by pressing the (+) or (-) pushers positioned at 10 o'clock and 8 o’clock, without having to remove the watch from the wrist or interrupting its timekeeping. The ultimate in mechanical refinement, the calendar function automatically synchronizes with adjustments made in either direction.

Behind this simplicity of use —a true lesson in functionality— the Manufacture caliber UN-334 deploys the results of many years of research. Featuring a 48-hour power reserve, it is equipped with a silicon anchor, escape wheel and roller. The 4 Hz oscillator also has a patented 1.1.1. silicon balance spring, guaranteeing impressive accuracy. Having made its watchmaking début a little over 10 years ago thanks to the pioneering efforts of Ulysse Nardin, this highly contemporary material requires hardly any lubrication and resists wear more than any other.

The bold modernity of this outstanding timepiece is complemented by a few classic touches, for an air of casual elegance. This chameleon-like piece is equally suited to a day in town or an important occasion. Water resistant to 30 m, its completely redesigned 42 mm-diameter case is available in steel or 18 ct rose gold, mounted on a leather strap or a steel or rose gold bracelet with deployment buckle. While ensuring perfect readability, the openwork hour and minute hands that sweep around the black or silver-finish dial add a delicate, light touch that characterizes truly timeless watches. This chameleon-like piece is equally suited to a day in town or an important occasion.

For more info on Ulysse Nardin click here.

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, News, Ulysse Nardin and tagged Ulysse Nardin Dual Time Manufacture Ulysse Nardin Calibre UN-334.

Baselworld: Ulysse Nardin. Ten Novelties with Impressive Horological and Design Attributes.

Since the manufacturer’s earliest days more than 167 years ago when its founder, Ulysse Nardin, began making marine chronometers in a mountainous location in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, the watchmaking powerhouse has continually proved that challenges present vast opportunities worthy of exploration. It is these explorations that have resulted in Ulysse Nardin’s unprecedented inventions in horology. The year 2013 is ripe with invention and the introduction of six in-house developed movements.

Routinely seeking to forge unconventional relationships to strengthen its lead and independence in watchmaking, Ulysse Nardin went on to acquire Donzé Cadrans, the world-recognized enamel-dial specialist. Treasuring the art of enameling and enamel cloisonné, Ulysse Nardin adds this masterful skill to its in-house capabilities.

This year at Baselworld, ten fascinating new timepieces were launched. All of them with very impressive horological and design attributes.

The line-up includes the Marine Chronograph—enameled watch featuring the new in-house chronograph movement UN-150. The Black Sea Marine Diver in stainless steel with a vulcanized rubber coated case.

The Jade, is the first ladies watch with an in-house caliber featuring four exquisite green jade horns that flank the watch bezel with a magnificent ring of emeralds and diamonds and the ability to set the time and date without having to pull the crown out. The time is set by using a pusher at the four o’clock position that changes the function of the crown so that each adjustment is then simply made by turning the crown forwards or backwards without any need to pull it out.

The Black Toro Perpetual Calendar a rose gold and ceramic timepiece offering the simplest setting capabilities of any perpetual calendar out there.

The Stranger Musical watch which is the first in this series of 99-piece limited edition timepieces that plays the melody 'Strangers in the Night' on the hour and on call with direct collaboration by virtuoso Dieter Meier.

The Skeleton Manufacture featuring a flying tourbillon and available in two limited editions of 99 pieces in red gold and 99 pieces in platinum.

The Carnival of Venice Minute Repeater limited to 18 pieces with a dial that depicts two figures in front of the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal. Both figures are wearing masks, alluding to the Carnival of Venice and with the minute repeater’s chiming of the hours, quarters and minutes, the figures lift their masks.

The Royal Ruby Tourbillon, a handcrafted masterpiece set with 12 rubies distinguishing the hours and accompanied by 48 diamonds in a limited edition of 99 pieces.

The Classico Cloissoné Pride of Baltimore—drawing inspiration from the history changing use of Baltimore Clippers during the War of 1812— and lastly the new Classico Serpent—celebrating the Chinese year of the snake in a limited edition of 88 lucky pieces, this timepiece is a mastery of the art of champlevé enamel method where cells are carved with a chisel directly on the dial and then filled with enamel of a variety of colors created from different metallic oxides.