foversta's report from the Ulysse Nardin boutique in Paris offers a fascinating glimpse into the brand's novelties from 2013, including the iconic Freak Diavolo and the innovative Stranger musical watch. This article provides a valuable historical snapshot of Ulysse Nardin's retail presence and product strategy, highlighting key models that continue to define the brand's unique approach to horology.
I had the opportunity today to attend a cocktail at the Ulysse Nardin boutique in presence of Mrs Chai Schnyder, chairwoman of the board of UN and of Mr Patrick Hoffmann, CEO of the company. The objective of the cocktail was to discover in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere the latest Ulysse Nardin novelties including one which was unveiled a few days ago.
There are currently 19 Ulysse Nardin boutiques, the latest being opened in New-York a few days ago.
The Boutique in Paris is operated by french retailer Kronometry, it is the reason why Mr Walter Ronchetti was also welcoming the guests. It opened during the last Summer rue François 1er, in the George V area and not far from the Avenue Montaigne.
I propose you a few pictures taken during the event.
Let's start with some pictures of the boutique. It is a very nice one, bearing the latest Ulysse Nardin architectural style. It is a bright and refined boutique and you really feel comfortable inside.
During the cocktail, I could handle 4 watches.
The first one is this Freak Diavolo. It is always a pleasure to closely observe a Freak which remains, despite its "age", an unique watch in the industry. Its 44,5mm diameter allows to take advantage of all the details of the parts visible dial side. As we often say with the Freak, it is the movement itself which tells the time! Maybe the most charming Tourbillon Carrousel.
All the skills and expertise of the Manufacture are highlighted by this watch:
The traditional wristshot:
Another favorite is the Stranger which was introduced this year.
You don't need to be a Frank Sinatra fan to fully appreciate it. The Stranger is a true musicbox on the wrist... joy for the ears... but also for the eyes!
The Stranger features one of the most original dials I've ever seen. My only regret is the presence of the date window, useless in this context in my humble opinion:
The 10 blades plays the tune by hitting the pins:
The watch has a solid caseback:
The case diameter is 45mm. Sadly I couldn't shoot a movie since the venue was a bit too noisy.
Here is the BIG surprise of the event, at least for me! Actually I was not aware of the release of this watch before the cocktail.
If you look at the
current Ulysse Nardin collection, you may think that something is missing when it comes to PC. Actually, we can see several watches with this complication. It is after all a speciality from Ulysse Nardin!
But the Acqua, the El Toro, the Ludovico, the Quadrato are bold watches.
The purpose of this Perpetual Calendar GMT is to introduce again these complications in a more classic style. This watch, available in PT and in PG is available in LE of 250 pieces each.
Did you notice the "infinity symbol" on the dial?
Again, it is a true pleasure to enjoy the very specific dial lay-out. It may seem to be a bit awkward. But it is not. Actually, when you are used with it, it is very practical.
The true asset of this watch and of any PC watch from Ulysse Nardin is its ability to be set foward and backward and when combined with the GMT function, you travel and you see the date moving... you clearly understand that this mechanism is a true marvel.
The movement is the UN-32 with a power reserve of 48 hours:
If i'm not wrong the case diameter is 43mm.
I hope to learn more about this watch through a press-release I haven't found.
During the cocktail, silicium parts were displayed to make the guests remind that Ulysse Nardin was the first brand which used this material.
I would like to finish the report with a more... artistic watch!
Nicolas presented it here:
ulyssenardin.watchprosite.com
But we don't have to forget that despite the topic of the dial, the watch is a Hourstriker.
Watching the jaquemarts moving while the watch strikes the hours is pure pleasure. Ulysse Nardin is one of the very few brands able to create watches which play with several of our senses!
As you know, this watch strikes the hours au passage. With the position of the small hand, you know if the striking mechanism is off or on. When you press the top pusher, you activate the striking mechanism and the watch will strike automatically. A single chime is played at half-hour. By pressing the bottom pusher, you can make the watch strike à la demande.
The superb MOP dial:
I think that this watch is perfect to put an end to the report! I think that I will have sweet dreams tonight!
I would like to thank a lot the staff of the Boutique.
Fr.Xavier
