Ulysse Nardin Sonata New Model Hands-On Review

moc · 2012-09-24T09:13:39Z

Moc reviews the new Ulysse Nardin Sonata, comparing it to the original. Explore community debate on its design changes, titanium case, and alarm chime quality.

moc

WPS member · Ulysse Nardin forum

35 replies8322 views8 photos

Moc provides a candid first impression and comparison of the new Ulysse Nardin Sonata after handling the real watch, contrasting it with his ownership experience of the original model. This article critically evaluates the design changes, particularly the shift from a nautical, poetic aesthetic to a sportier, more modern look. The discussion further explores community opinions on the new Sonata's design and its impact on the watch's charm.

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Ok,ok I am biased and I own the original model so I might sound a bit harsh here,but the first impressions I had after seeing pictures of the new Sonata did not change after the "in metal"experience.

I remember how excited I was learning a new version of one of my favourite UN was coming out,especially knowing Titanium was a new metal introduced on this model.
After the first pics,I wasnt convinced at all,the whole poetry of the original Sonata was lost to give way to a new ,modern sportier approach.
A bit inspired by El Toro design I think,that kind of sporty chunky look dear to Ulysse Nardin that never inspired me much.

The caliber and the functions stays the same,no change whatsoever,now the use of Silicium escapement is across the whole models,the thing that radically changes is the overall look.Completely wiped out is the old Sonata nautical feel and charm and a new design is created from scratch.

The case is bigger and more present on the wrist,the combination of rose gold and titanium on this model is the only thing I like,for the rest I think the case is far too bulky for me but most of all a bit flat and souless.
Nice skeletonized lugs integrated with the side s of the case,polished bezel.
Its interesting to notice how the fake pushers shapes at2 and 10 of the old case have been dropped and now we have the 4 and 8 pushers to advance or move back the hour hand when travelling through time zones.

The hands on this Sonata are different types but decently in harmony,maybe a bit mismatched,I would have opted for simpler solutions on the subdials.

The dial is the worst bit in my opinion,its very messy and full of numbers everywhere,on the rehaut,in differet layout on the top subdials and bottom one ;and with all the text around the watch and the decision to open part of the dial to show more date numbers(for balance reasons I think!)the result is really confusing and cluttered.

Overall,I am not impressed by this new Sonata,as I said I think it lost a lot of soul.
The watch though is perfectly executed and the quality of Ulysse Nardin oozes from every angle,the finish on the case and the attention to details is second to none.

Ultimately,the soud of this new Sonata is slightly louder than my white gold one but less clear(differences of materials of course).
I end this quick report with a side to side picture,it shows how radically different the 2 watches are,still keeping the same heart and lovely poetic functions.

Yours Mo

Key Points from the Discussion

A contributor highlights a different, more aggressive version of the new Sonata seen in marketing materials, which features triangular subdials and a modernized Côte de Genève pattern, suggesting this design better suits the new case style.
A collector expresses disappointment with the new Sonata's iteration, finding the dial too busy, the case too large, and the hands lacking charm, ultimately feeling the watch has lost its original specificity and poetic appeal.
A comparison of the chime volume between the old and new Sonata models revealed that the original white gold variant was distinctly louder than the new titanium model, a conclusion reached unanimously by collectors and UN representatives.
A collector, having seen both models side-by-side, notes that while the new Sonata's ring is slightly louder, the tone of the original is more pleasant. He finds the new design cluttered, despite liking the updated hand shape and the alarm mechanism's aesthetic.
A collector expresses a strong preference for the 'old' Sonata, criticizing the new version's thick, angular, and massive design as unelegant and a departure from the original's smooth, charming aesthetic.
The author defends the original Sonata's hands, which some detractors found 'ugly,' as a key, distinctive, and charismatic feature coherent with the watch's overall style.

The Discussion

Ares501 - Mr Green

Sep 25, 2012

Dear Mo

I'm with you on this one You made some great points specially regarding dial & soul :) Best Damjan

moc

Sep 26, 2012

Hi Damjan

well I am sure it will have its fans out there. Mo

bjacknot

Sep 25, 2012

So not a...

... not a lot like the watch photographed on the back cover on many watch magazines. I was expecting to see the triangular subdials for the countdown and alarm dials, a modernized cote de Geneva pattern in the lower half of the main dial and the Ulysse Nardin name to ride above the date on the right side of the dial. I really like the watch used in marketing materials, and I, too, am disappointed by how the current dial deviated from both the advertisement and the original. As an owner of the or

moc

Sep 26, 2012

I n ever saw the promo pics you are talking about but..

I agree that owning the original one gives you a different perspective on this watch. I really like your combo,that was the one I would have gone for if I didn t find mine. Mo

Mostel

Sep 25, 2012

man, that is BizzzEEEE

but at a glance, it intrigues me, whereas the previous model did nothing for me. Neither are my taste, in the long run. Go figure.

moc

Sep 26, 2012

Mostel,the look and feel of the Sonata is an acquired taste

the design id too bold and daring to please everybody for sure. Thats the sign of a watch with strong personality and look. Mo