Ulysse Nardin 160th Anniversary Caliber UN-160 Review

I have to admit that we don't often speak about this very special watch.

And I don't get why, as all in this watch is so special.

The first visible impressive thing is , of course, the shape of the case, which are revealed by its uncommon dimensions: 43 x 40,5 mm.







First, the case, which is between round and " ovale " shaped, very strange, but very appealing, too.

The top, the sides, but also the case back have this particularity, and if it wasn't enough, U.N made it slightly ...curved, as you can see on the bezel.

Even the sapphire crystals are curved!

Really impressive.

The dial is also something very special, with its multi level layout, and different finishes, and this small seconds which is in harmony with the shape of the case.

Well thought, U.N!





The upper part of the dial, where is located the Big Date :



The subdial:



And then, you notice that some elements of the dial are finished with Geneva stripes ( the upper part ad the small seconds sub dial, again, in total harmony, and in a perfect balanced way ).



And if it was a modern and original re interpretation of a Marine Chronometer?

I really see it like that, as this watch is an interesting blend of elegance, sportivity and originality.

The legibility is perfect with these silver applied numbersn and the spade hands, too, which elegantly contrast with the deep blue dial, a symbolic color for U.N.

For the 160th Anniversary of the Brand, U.N didn't satisfy itself with an oonly original case, but also a very interesting movement, the well called Cal UN - 160, which is simply the first in house caliber, an automatic one, as you will be able to see, using the innovative Dual Ulysse Escapement in Silicium.

To be complete, we don't have to forget that this watch is an officially certified chronometer!

Here, the massive and impressive rotor, perfectly finished:



Here, the whole movement, with a view on the dual escapement in silicium:



And here, a focus on the dual escapement with its silicium parts ( in dark blue, on the pic ) :



A last pic on the movement, to appreciate the nice finish.

Even if we saw better, in terms of finish it is not bad at all!



So, to give a conclusion to this post, the 160 Anniversary is an important watch, for the Collectors, but also for U.N.

This is ( Freak apart ), the first watch with an in house UN Automatic movement, housing a not too sophisticated but friendly complication, and very nicely and originally designed,
as an Hommage to a long UN Tradition, The Marine Chronometers.

Hope you will enjoy this quick view.

Best,

Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-01-17 13:52:59 This message has been edited by Marcus Hanke on 2009-01-27 15:03:27