Ulysse Nardin Caliber 160 Movement Guide

MichaelC · 2014-01-10T13:05:51Z

Explore the Ulysse Nardin Caliber 160, its in-house design, Dual Ulysse Escapement, and limited production for the Anniversary 160 models.

MichaelC

WPS member · Ulysse Nardin forum

17 replies6947 views7 photos

MichaelC's detailed refresher on the Ulysse Nardin Caliber 160 provides an in-depth look at a movement that marked a significant milestone for the brand. This post is essential for understanding Ulysse Nardin's commitment to in-house manufacturing and technical innovation, particularly its unique Dual Ulysse Escapement. It offers collectors and enthusiasts a valuable resource for appreciating the engineering prowess behind this limited-production caliber.

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In 2006, for UN's 160th Anniversary, the brand launched its first in-house designed and manufactured movement. The movement would end up powering only 1000 watches - 500 white gold Anniversary 160s and 500 red gold Anniversary 160s.

This "base" movement powers what appear at first glance to be a rather basic set of features - hours, minutes, sub seconds, and a big date, with a 50 hour power reserve. But of course with Ulysse Nardin, there is always more to the story.

The sub seconds indicator on this movement is what UN terms "direct drive". That means the display does not lose any precision when indicating the seconds. The movement also happens to be a "hack seconds" movement, so when the crown is pulled to the time setting position, the balance wheel is stopped and the seconds hand holds still for precise time setting.

The big date also deserves recognition. First of all, it is perfectly trimmed and the display wheels are in the same plane. But the UN movement touches include a date that can be rapidly adjusted forward or backwards, and a protection feature to prevent the user from accidentally damaging the function if using the rapid corrector during the changing zone. When you adjust the date on this watch, it moves very quickly and precisely, and a short rotation of the crown allows the date to move (as opposed to some movements where it seems you must rotate the crown quite a bit more for each date change).

We see more of Caliber 160's technical prowess through the caseback window. I still find this movement one of the most beautiful automatic winding base calibers I have seen. The rotor has a unique guilloche hatch pattern, and the "160" logo is filled with a brilliant blue lacquer. It glides over ceramic ball bearings.

And look at this beautiful green geared wheel...

Which actually changes to purple and blue depending on the light. Well, that is part of the Dual Ulysse Escapement.

First launched in the 28'800 V/h Freak, this escapement requires no lubrication and all but eliminates sliding friction. The system utilizes 2 wheels, each with 18 teeth. UN's design allows for a substantial reduction in lift angle to around 30 degrees. Per Ulysse Nardin: "Lift angle is the arc run by the balance between its first contact with the escapement and its last contact. The shorter the arc is, the lower is the disturbance of the natural oscillation of the balance".

In order to use two wheels for the escapement, they have to be extremely light weight. Utilizing photolithography and electro-plating to build the wheels from nickel phosphorous, the wheels are virtually weightless after being skeletonized.

The balance wheel is adjusted with 4 inertia screws. You will see they are recessed into the outer rim, with the purpose of reducing turbulence when the movement is running.

The Caliber 160 comes with COSC testing and therefore is an officially certified chronometer.

I remember when the watch launched in 2006. I thought it was the very definition of a "novelty" watch - entirely new from top to bottom, inside and out.

Lately I find myself dreaming of a Sonata Silicium or maybe even a Freak Cruiser. 2 pieces which epitomize Ulysse Nardin. But does either do so more than the Anniversary 160 with its dazzling Caliber 160? Maybe not.

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2014-01-11 14:47:02

Key Points from the Discussion

The Caliber 160 was initially presented as a new standard movement for Ulysse Nardin, with plans for large-scale production, leading to some disappointment when the Caliber 118 became the primary large-series movement instead.
The Caliber 160's Dual Ulysse Escapement, while innovative, requires more space, which is a disadvantage compared to the Caliber 118, allowing the latter to be used in smaller watches (starting at 38mm) and for a broader range of timepieces, including ladies' models.
The Caliber 160 is highlighted as a great watch with an original case, appealing dial, and a movement produced exclusively for the Anniversary 160, distinguishing it from the Caliber 118.
The Ulysse Nardin Freak and Sonata are considered emblematic of the brand, with the Sonata being lauded as the best alarm watch on the market, making both highly desirable and practical companions for travel.
A community member humorously notes that the Sonata can be used to 'deconcentrate the attorney when he pleads against my clients,' highlighting its unique alarm function as a practical, albeit unconventional, tool.
Ulysse Nardin is praised for its independent approach, consistently offering functional breakthroughs and not merely following market trends, earning respect within the watchmaking world.

The Discussion

amanico

Jan 10, 2014

I love your last question, Michael.

The Freak and the Sonata are different, but complementary. The 160 is apart, too. In fact, you need the three. The 160 is, in my book, a great Watch: An original and very cool case, a nice dial, and a great movement. A movement which was produced for this Watch, only, as the 118 is another story. Thanks for giving it the homage and the justice it deserves. Will post soemthing on this 160 later. Best, Michael, and thanks! Nicolas

MichaelC

Jan 10, 2014

I guess I better really save then!

To have all 3, well, that would be an amazing trifecta (hmm... who do I know who has this amazing grouping?!?) I have certainly pondered the 2 I'm missing; modern legends really. Lately, I have thought I would like to reduce my small collection even further, to bring on one of these incredible UN watches. But it is a tormenting process to consider when you really love the ones you have. In the end it is likely best to save, but for me it is not possible to just "add" watches of such high cost wi

amanico

Jan 10, 2014

I can tell you that the Freak and the Sonata ( not necessarily in this order ) are

Two of my most precious keepers. The Sonata, I brought it with me everywhere in the world, during all my holidays, and very often at the Court, to deconcentrate the attorney when he pleads against my clients. ;) The Freak, this is a piece of modern and mad Art. Both are Worth some sacrifices. I still have two or three more UNs as my possible targets... Funds are the only problem... We are true U.N addicts... ;) Best, my friend. Nicolas

MichaelC

Jan 10, 2014

We often write "LOL"

My Friend, I really did laugh out loud when I read this: "...to deconcentrate the attorney when he pleads against my clients" It was almost as good as: "A Ghost hidden behind a Phantom... Only U.N. could do that". Thank you for the Friday chuckle :-) And you are correct, both are worth some sacrifices...

amanico

Jan 10, 2014

I did it! With the Sonata, and with the JLC MMR. ;)

Too good to see the attorney loosing his ideas... ;) Only U.N can do that! :) Best, Nicolas

Mitch K

Jan 10, 2014

Fantastic! I have finally found a way to write off some of my watches!

I too deal with attorneys but as a consultant and not as an opposing counsel. To hear that i could mess with them while testifying is too good to be true. I shall keep that in mind and seek the advise of lawyer friends for some of my next purchases and perhaps even charge the attorneys that i do consulting for. Bravo. For me both the Freak and the Sonata are emblematic of UN. The Freak is a one of a kind. The Sonata is, in my view, the best alarm watch in the market, hands down. It is a companio