Nicolas (amanico) introduces the Ulysse Nardin Skeleton Tourbillon Manufacture, a highlight from Basel Fair 2013. This article explores the technical innovations and aesthetic appeal of this limited-edition timepiece, which features Ulysse Nardin's first entirely in-house developed tourbillon movement, Caliber 170.
Here is, along with the Stranger and the Carnival of Venice, certainly one of my favourite Ulysse Nardin, this year, the Skeleton Tourbillon Manufacture.
Available in a limited edtion of 99 pieces in rose gold:
Or in platinum ( 99 pieces, too ) :
This movement is said to be the first to be totally developed and manufactured in house ( Cal 170 ).
While the previous Tourbillon, the Royal Blue, saw the intervention of Christophe Claret in its conception, if I remember correctly.
The Royal Blue Tourbillon:
Back to the Skeleton Tourbillon Manufacture, the Cal 170 uses the silicon technology, dear to Ulysse Nardin, since the Freak.
Here, the balance spring, the anchor and the escapement wheel of the flying tourbillon are made of silicon.
The movement has a power reserve of 170 hours, which represents, to make it simpler, 7 days and 2 hours, and beats at the pace of 18 000 vibrations per hour.
That is for the technical part.
On the aesthetical side, you have a superb work on the skeleton movement, very light, modern looking, like i love them.
The case is 44 mm big, and the case back receives a sapphir. Sadly, no pictures of the case back are available for the moment.
One last picture, to feed your dreams:
The only thing which I fear, with this watch, is its retail. I have no idea for the moment.
But I couldn't resist to share with you, here, the pleasure of discovering this watch.
Of course we'll come back to it, with, I hope, some real photos, as some of us are in Basel, at this moment.
Best,
Nicolas, from Paris.
