Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin concentrated on broadening its collection in 2007, as opposed to creating radical new watches as it has often done in previous years. The flagship model of 2007 is undoubtedly the Freak DIAMonSIL.

The original Freak has received so much publicity and appeared in so many different variations, yet it still remains unmatched and still iconic. Ulysse Nardin has now created an über Freak. Already a radical concept in its original form, the Freak is now presented with the DIAMonSIL escapement, taking it into a whole new league.

The DIAMonSIL is "synthetic nanocrystal diamond escapement grown on a silicium raw part", essentially a material that is a combination of silicon and diamond. In theory the material can last forever because of its incredible strength and durability.

Now for more conventional fare. We start with the Maxi Marine Chronometer, now available in a larger 43mm case size in either rose gold or stainless steel, with a choice of several dial executions to choose from. If the Maxi Marine Chronometer continues to grow at this rate, eventually it will be as large as the deck watches it is modelled on.

The popular Maxi Marine Diver is now available with bright coloured dials, including red and orange. It's amazing how far the Marine collection of Ulysse Nardin has evolved since the original 1846 Marine Chronometer. These new coloured dials will assuredly sell very well.

The Quadrato case, first seen last year in the form of the Dual Time Perpetual, now also houses the GMT ± Dual Time Big Date. Regarded as one of the most convenient travel watches, the movement allows the user to adjust the local time backwards or forwards with pushers; the local time is also linked to the big date mechanism so it automatically adjusts when the new local time is across the International Date Line. The Quadrato GMT ± Dual Time Big Date will be offered in rose gold or steel.

Ladies can also enjoy the functionality of the GMT ± Dual Time Big Date with the new Lady Dual Time. Available in various pastel shades with the option of a diamond set bezel or dial, this watch is a manageable 37mm in diameter.

Another dual timezone watch offered by Ulysse Nardin is the GMT ± Perpetual, famed for its ease of use and robust construction. In 2005, Ulysse Nardin showcased a platinum GMT ± Perpetual and in the following year unveiled the same watch except in rose gold; both were limited editions of 500 pieces each and shared design traits with the Sonata alarm.

This year that Sonata-inspired design has found its way into the white gold GMT ± Perpetual which will be part of the regular collection. This white gold model is 42mm in diameter, significantly larger than the original round GMT ± Perpetual which was 38mm.

I never liked the hands or dial of the Sonata alarm, although I respect the technical achievement of the movement. Although they share the same cartoonish hands, I like this new GMT ± Perpetual - somehow the design works.

We finish with a watch that is not strictly a new model, the Caprice collection was actually launched in late 2006. Like all female watches, it is available in a wide variety of dial colours and straps; diamonds are of course an option.

That concludes the coverage of Baselworld 2007, I hope you enjoyed the report. Circumstances permitting, I will be back next year with coverage of Baselworld 2008.