Marcus Hanke introduces the Ulysse Nardin Royal Blue Tourbillon "Full Set," a highly jeweled mystery tourbillon. This article delves into the intricate craftsmanship and gem-setting that define this limited-edition timepiece, offering a detailed look at its aesthetic and mechanical marvels. Hanke's post highlights the watch's unique blend of high jewelry and horological innovation, making it a significant piece for collectors interested in Ulysse Nardin's opulent creations.
The Royal Blue β a mystery Tourbillon.
Blue
is the color of royalty and mystery. The Royal Blue is a mystery
tourbillon of incomparable elegance, combining aesthetics with the high
art of mechanical watchmaking.
This
hand crafted work of art completes the Royal Blue Tourbillon
collection. A highly-skilled precious stone cutter must cut each
diamond and sapphire to perfection to fit the elaborate platinum case.
The case of a diameter of 43 mm, especially created for this
exceptional timepiece, is set with 128 baguette diamonds and 57 blue
sapphire baguettes which enhance the rounded shape of the case. The
actual setting of the bracelet of 432 baguette diamonds (approx. 27.77
ct) and 176 blue sapphire baguettes ornament the complexity of the
bracelet construction. The crown fitted with 8 baguette diamonds and 1
cabochon sapphire further emphasizes the delicacy of this true jewel.
A
total of 568 baguette diamonds of the highest quality (approx. 33.8 ct,
Top Wesselton) and 234 baguette cut royal blue sapphires (approx. 16.79
ct) in combination with the high art of watchmaking represent a delight
for connoisseurs of fine timepieces.
Bridges
and main plates are crafted in blue sapphire, making the flying
Tourbillon itself float in an empty space. The movement parts are
skeletonized and aligned in perfect symmetry. The winding system is
invisible, further adding to the mystery. Despite the total
transparency of this extraordinary movement (constructed along the
principles of Le Locleβs most famous watchmaker - James Pellaton) one
wonders what holds the flying tourbillon, which is revolving
weightlessly in its cage.
The
interior of the platinum bezel is set with diamonds and blue sapphires
to read the time. When winding the movement a miraculous force is
setting cogs and wheels in different places in motion, completing the
mystery of the Royal Blue.
Limited Edition to 30 pieces. Platinum case. Water-resistant to 30 m.
This
Masterpiece is available as well with an alligator leather strap and a
platinum folding buckle elegantly set with baguette diamonds and
sapphire.
Royal Blue Tourbillon β Technical data
Ref. 799-99BAG Platinum 950, with alligator strap and folding buckle
Ref. 799-99BAG-8BAG Platinum 950, with platinum bracelet
Movement Caliber UN-79
36 jewels, main plate and bridges in sapphire
Power-Reserve Approx. 100 h
Winding Manual winding
Functions Flying Tourbillon, Display of hours and minutes, winding of the movement through a circular rack mechanism
Case Platinum 950. Set with 80 baguettes diamonds (5.07 ct) and 45 blue sapphire of different baguette cut (9.19 ct)
Inner bezel Set with 48 baguette diamonds (0.79 ct) and 12 baguette sapphires (0.23 ct)
Diameter 43 mm
Water-resistance 30 m
Crystal Anti reflective sapphire crystal
Case-back Anti reflective sapphire crystal
Crown Water-resistant, set with 8 baguette diamonds (0.17 ct) and 1 cabochon blue sapphire (0.38 ct)
Band Alligator leather strap, with platinum folding buckle set with 16 diamonds (0.62ct) and 16 sapphires (0.55 ct)
Bracelet
Exclusive platinum bracelet. Top of bracelet set with 432 baguette
diamonds (27.77 ct) and side of bracelet set with 176 baguette
sapphires (6.99 ct)
Limitation Limited edition of 30 pieces in Platinum 950
Text and pictures (c) Ulysse Nardin, 2008
