WATCH & JEWELRY /
SIHH&BASEL
July 23, 2015
ULYSSE NARDIN | BASELWORLD 2015 Live Report
ULYSSE NARDIN
A Prestigious Brand of Marine Chronometers
Unveiling Astonishing New Mechanisms (1)
Founder Ulysse Nardin was a master of marine chronometers, and his connection to the sea is inseparable. The news of the official sponsorship agreement with the Swedish team "Artemis Racing" challenging in the 2017 America's Cup was one of the major headlines at this year's Baselworld. Ulysse Nardin has announced new models that showcase their high development capabilities. Once again, they have demonstrated their commitment to innovative technology.
Text by KAWADA Akinori
High-Precision Tourbillon Achieved with Proprietary Materials
The tourbillon mechanism is located at the 6 o'clock position, complemented by a beautiful Grand Feu enamel dial. Unlike conventional tourbillons, this Ulysse Anchor Tourbillon utilizes "Diamonsil," a silicon component coated with nano-crystalline diamond, for its escapement.
This new mechanism, developed by Ulysse Nardin, who has continuously pursued innovation in escapements, is incorporated here. Furthermore, the escapement's anchor is supported by two curved blades, finer than a human hair. As power from the mainspring is transmitted and the anchor moves, these blades oscillate, assisting the balance wheel's motion. This blade mechanism ensures that the balance wheel's movement remains stable and the watch's accuracy is maintained, even as the mainspring's torque diminishes. This technical development, reflecting the DNA of precision pursued since the company's founding in marine chronometers, is inherited in this model.
Ulysse Anchor Tourbillon
Case | 18K White Gold
Diameter | 44mm
Movement | Manual-winding (Cal.UN178)
Functions | Tourbillon (with proprietary Ulysse Anchor escapement), Power Reserve Indicator
Strap | Alligator
Water Resistance | 30m
Limited Edition | 18 pieces
Release | Scheduled for August
Estimated Price | 11,000,000 JPY
ULYSSE NARDIN
A Prestigious Brand of Marine Chronometers
Unveiling Astonishing New Mechanisms (2)
Equipped with the New Generation Shock-Absorbing System: Ulychoc Safety System
The "Freak" is an iconic timepiece that embodies Ulysse Nardin's innovation. The very concept of using the parts that govern a watch's accuracy as the hour and minute hands, while also incorporating a tourbillon, is extraordinary. Ulysse Nardin has continuously advanced its technological development, introducing new mechanisms such as silicon escapements and the Dual Ulysse escapement into the Freak series.
Now, the "Freak" has evolved into the "Freak Lab." Previously, the Dual Ulysse escapement was positioned at the tip of the hands; this time, it has been placed on the rotational axis of the hands (the center of the dial). The shock-absorbing system supporting the escapement's balance staff has been updated to the newly developed Ulychoc Safety System. This system simplifies the shock-absorbing structure using silicon components, ensuring the balance staff remains centered even when subjected to shocks. In this way, the "Freak" continues the lineage of a series where Ulysse Nardin's cutting-edge technology is constantly fed back.
Freak Lab
Case | 18K White Gold
Diameter | 45mm
Movement | Manual-winding (Cal.UN-210)
Functions | Tourbillon (escapement set on the minute hand rotates), Date Display
Strap | Alligator
Release | Scheduled for August
Estimated Price | 14,000,000 JPY
ULYSSE NARDIN
A Prestigious Brand of Marine Chronometers
Unveiling Astonishing New Mechanisms (3)
Performing Vivaldi's "Concerto for Violin in E Major"
Ulysse Nardin also excels in musical watches, having previously created masterpieces such as minute repeaters and linked automata clocks. The "Stranger," released in 2013, is part of this lineage, with its musical box playing Frank Sinatra's hit song "Strangers in the Night."
This new musical watch plays Vivaldi's "Concerto for Violin in E Major." Building upon previous mechanisms, the disc at the 12 o'clock position begins to rotate on the hour or when the push-button is pressed. Pins strike combs arranged like cat's whiskers, producing a beautiful melody.
The on/off setting for the hourly performance can be selected via the push-button at the 10 o'clock position, and its status can be confirmed by the indicator at the 12 o'clock position. The push-button at the 8 o'clock position starts the performance at any desired moment. The operability is also excellent, with functions selectable via the crown, making it a masterpiece that enthusiasts will want to experience at least once.
Musical Watch Vivaldi
Case | 18K Rose Gold
Diameter | 45mm
Movement | Automatic-winding (Cal.UN-690)
Functions | Petite Sonnerie (automatic hourly chime, on/off indicated at 8 o'clock), Musical Box (play/stop via button at 8 o'clock), Crown Function Indicator (selection of winding, time setting, date setting, and selected function displayed at 4 o'clock), Date Display
Strap | Alligator
Water Resistance | 3 ATM
Limited Edition | 99 pieces
Release | Scheduled for September
Estimated Price | 14,000,000 JPY
Contact Information
DKSH Japan
Tel. 03-5441-4515
http://www.ulysse-nardin.com/



