Ulysse Nardin Classic Sonata SIHH 2017 Review

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amanico's review of the Ulysse Nardin Classic Sonata from SIHH 2017 traces the evolution of this complex alarm watch since its 2003 debut. He meticulously details the unique combination of complications and design changes across generations, offering a critical perspective on how the model has transformed over time.

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Since 2003 and the unveil of the first Sonata till this year, this model saw some strong evolutions.

Let's keep in mind some dates:

- 2003, unveil of the first Sonata, which was- and still is- a revolutionary alarm watch, as it displays a quite unique combination of complications:

An alarm which you can set on 24 hours.

An alarm countdown.

A GMT.

And a big date.

The whole thing in an unmatched design. Some will love it, others will hate it, but this is the kind of watch which doesn't let unmoved.

The first generation:

- 2005, Ulysse Nardin introduced the second generation of the Sonata. Not a revolution, even though... The visible evolution is the see through case back, while the first generation had a solid one. The audible difference is that the alarm plays on a cathedral gong.

There was a limited edition of this second version, released in 500 pieces, with a silicium escapement.

And in this series of 500 pieces, a micro series of 5 pieces ( 3 pieces, in reality ) with a different configuration of dial and hands:

The movement has always been the U.N Cal 67. Which started without silicium escapement, then.

- 2012 saw the birth of the Sonata Streamline. A totally different case, 2 mm bigger ( 44 mm instead of 42 ), differently shaped, and a new dial design.

Same functions. 3 versions. Titanium Rose Gold, Titanium Ceramic bezel, and Titanium PVD ( Boutique Edition ) .

You will notice that the titanium rose gold is the first Sonata to not show the oscillator on the dial side.

- 2016: The Classic Sonata comes for the first time with a new steel case borrowed to the Classic family, 44 mm big, which is much wiser than the Streamline.

Blue dial showing the oscillator, and the Cotes De Genève which reappear on the dial side. Limited Edition of 99 pieces.

- And, now, in 2017, Ulysse Nardin comes at the SIHH with two new versions of the Classic Sonata, one in steel, one in rose gold.

A live picture I could take at the SIHH:

This is by far the most sober and cleaner version. The dials of these 2 versions are smooth, clean, elegant, but lack the madness of the former versions.

Even the hands are more conventional than those of the Streamline and the first and second generation. The oscillator disappeared.

The classic elements are still here, the sophisticated alarm, the countdown, the GMT, and the Big Date you can set forward and backward, as always, with an Ulysse Nardin watch.

The movement is the Cal 67, with its silicium escapement and hairspring.

Like all the versions since 2005, this Sonata has a see through case back.

Now the good question is to know which one you prefer... The 2 first generations, the Streamline or the Classics?

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The new Classic Sonata is seen by some as losing the original's identity, with a design that lacks the 'madness' and distinct spirit of earlier generations like the Streamline or the first Sonata.
While the dial design of the Classic Sonata is less preferred than earlier generations, the improved case aesthetics are noted as a positive development.
The first two generations and the current Classic Sonata in steel are all considered strong contenders for a wishlist, indicating the new design might achieve commercial success for UN.
The original Sonata's design, particularly its unique skeleton hour/minute hands, is highly praised and considered a permanent element that should be retained in all future Sonata models.
The Sonata Cathedral is still considered the best version, though the new models are an improvement over the 2016 version, despite being perceived as too sober for a Sonata.
A significant difference between the first two generations and the Classic Sonata is the latter's availability in steel, making it more accessible in terms of cost compared to the gold-only predecessors.

The Discussion

iadxb

Mar 15, 2017

Thank you Nico for the review. Sonata Cathedral is still the best in my view

Although I find the new versions also quite attractive and they represent a huge improvement over the the messy 2016 version. They are a bit too sober for UN Sonata though, wonder how they would have looked with a visible oscillator on the dial... By the way, do you know why there is a 'straight' anchor in the logo? Is it specific to this model? There was nothing wrong with the slanted anchor in my opinion...

amanico

Mar 15, 2017

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on that new Sonata, iadxb.

We were used to see the Sonata as an extravagant watch, maybe we need a bit of time to get used to this cleaner design? As for the straight anchor, I guess it is a design thing. I didn't pay attention to that, it seems to be a new thing from this year. Eagle eye! Best, Nicolas

KMII

Mar 15, 2017

Thanks a lot for this, Nico!

The Sonata has been and firmly remains on my wishlist for some years down the line. As for preference, it would be a close call between the first two generations and the current Classic in steel. Would need to see them side by side live to make a more informed choice. But definitely not easy On the other hand it means that the new design will likely be a commercial success for UN

amanico

Mar 15, 2017

There is one important difference to be mentioned between the first tow generations and the Classic Sonata: The price.

Indeed, the two first generations were available in gold, white or rose, only. The Classic Sonata is available in rose gold, but ALSO in steel. Which makes a big difference in terms of cost. Best, K. Nicolas

iadxb

Mar 15, 2017

+1. It is great that UN decided to offer non-precious metal options for their exclusive complications.

There was a recent Perpetual Calendar issued in steel as well, if I am not mistaken...

amanico

Mar 15, 2017

Yes, I will review it later, probably in April. [nt]