Blog

Basel 2014 - New Ulysse Nardin Escapement

Mechanical Sophistication "Ulysse Anchor Escapement"

With seven years of research, development and improvements Ulysse Nardin is now in a position to present what appears to be a paradigm change in the approach to mechanical watchmaking. Overturning the traditional principle of the Swiss lever escapement, the new Ulysse Anchor Escapement features a circular silicon frame in which the pallet arms are suspended by two buckled blades (meaning curved under tension- one perpendicular to the other). This complex device relies on the physical property of blade springs to bend along one axis while remaining perfectly rigid along others, so as to reproduce the kinetics functions of a pivot.

The impulse, given at each semi-oscillation of the balance, transmits its energy to blades, which snap from one stable state to another, very much like a snap hair clip. The pallet arms, without a pallet staff, thus pivot from side to side without generating friction. Better still, when it returns to its original positions, the system gives back its stored energy with virtually no loss. Finally, the construction, which dispenses with the bridge for the pallet lever since it no longer pivots on a shaft, results in a slimmer movement.

This sophisticated mechanism, which comes into operation this year, opens new and unexplored opportunities for Ulysse Nardin.

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Basel 2014 - Ulysse Nardin - Imperial Blue

The Ultimate Mastery "Imperial Blue"

Radiating light, as if suspended in time by a flying tourbillon, this Grande Sonnerie Westminster Carillon bears witness to the ultimate mastery of the watchmaker’s art.

The Imperial Blue showcases a transparent mainplate on which floats a flying tourbillon, adorned with a blue-tinged sapphire bridge that leaves no room for doubt as to its noble origins, this luminous yet mysterious watch holds within it a Sonnerie Westminster Carillon. The quintessential watch complication, it rings out on four notes for every passing hour and also sounds the hours, quarter hours and minutes on demand.  It is an object of immense rarity.

It is an enchanting symphony, punctuated by the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock, as if suspended in time, levitating on its sapphire plate. The delicate openwork hour and minute hands are adjusted using the crown, which also features a safety system that stops the sounding of the passing hours while the time is being corrected.

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Basel 2014 - Seiko Astron - New Designs

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Basel 2014 - Ulysse Nardin - Hourstriker Tiger

Drawing from the roots of the original Hourstriker, the Hourstriker Tiger features a completely new case design. Forty three millimeters in diameter, it features a genuine black onyx dial accented by 18-karat rose gold. It is reflective of the trend towards classic watch design while remaining modern; its Jaquemarts illustrate this juxtaposition. Classically royal in feeling, the timepiece’s focal point is its two beautifully hand-carved 18-karat gold tiger figurines that move with the sound of a gong. A sonnerie en passant with a rare automatic movement, the Hourstriker Tiger plays on the hour on demand or can be set to “gong” the time in passing. As it gongs, the tiger Jaquemarts move the precise number of times the hammer hits the gong.

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Ulysse Nardin - Limited Edition - "Dragon"

The Limited Edition Marine Chronometer Manufacture - "Dragon"

Steering timepiece technology for the high seas for nearly 170 years, Ulysse Nardin stays the course with this exclusive timepiece launched upon an international contest with 90 sailing boats from 22 different countries and the most famous skippers on board.Constructed of titanium and stainless steel and powered by the in-house manufactured self-winding base caliber UN-118, produced with the revolutionary DiamonSil technology, the Marine Chronometer Manufacture Dragon is yet another icon of innovation by Ulysse Nardin.

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Basel 2014 - UN - Classico "Amerigo Vespucci"

The Iconic Classico Cloisonné Collection

"Amerigo Vespucci"

Ulysse Nardin sails into 2014 with the latest addition to its Classico Cloisonné collection: the Amerigo Vespucci. Known for acknowledging magnificent ships of exploration, battle and beauty, Ulysse Nardin celebrates one of Italy’s most esteemed full-rigged frigates in this latest timepiece. A limited-edition collection of 30 pieces crafted in 18-karat rose and white gold and measuring 40 mm in diameter, the Classico Amerigo Vespucci features a self-winding movement (UN 815 caliber), Chronometer Certificate and water resistance to 50 meters.

From her 26 sails to the bright white stripes that dress her black hull, the Classico Amerigo Vespucci is a spectacular display of design and maritime mastery that has traversed the oceans. The Amerigo Vespucci continues the tradition of the Classico Cloisonné collection and its depictions of famous vessels, bringing a sense of adventure to its wearers, accompanying them on their many life journeys.

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Basel 2014 - Ulysse Nardin - Marine Diver

Conquering The Oceans with the "Marine Diver"

The fully redesigned Marine Diver showcases all the qualities of a genuine diving watch, with its screw-locked crown, rotating bezel and case that is water-resistant to 300 meters. The equally sporty women’s version measures a perfect 40 mm in diameter. In terms of performance, this watch has all the attributes required of a diving watch. Ulysse Nardin's  Marine Diver features a unidirectional rotating bezel, which prevents any accidental adjustment to the dive time. For the same safety reasons, every aspect of the new Marine Diver has been designed to facilitate the reading of its precious indications: The impressive 44 mm face displays large hour-markers and hands with a white luminescent coating and a red stripe, for perfect visibility. The small seconds at 6 o'clock are also oversized, offering a reassuring sign that the watch is functioning as it should, even in the water’s murky depths. Lastly, the claw-shaped rubber molding over the crown ensures it is easy to grip, even with diving gloves.

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