Ulysse Nardin

Here's a watch we don't often speak about, the Anniversary 160.

A watch which is very important for every U.N Fan, as it houses the first U.N In House movement, an automatic caliber using the Dual Ulysse Escapement first seen in the ...Freak.





It is not only technically and historically important, is is also quite nicely finished, with all the Horological codes, like the anglages, the perlages, and the cotes de Genève.

As precision is its main purpose, it is a Chronometer officialy certified by the Cosc, offering a hacking seconds.

The only complication which is presented, here, is the Grande Date, a U.N Classic Complication.

But does a Chronometer need more to show?

As always, U.N can't do things like the others, and they decided to use a special case for this movement, which is really uncommon.





You will notice that the case is indeed strangely shaped...Round, but a bit ovale, concave, and to be coherent, the sapphire is perfectly integrated to follow the special shape of the case.

The sides of the case are brushed, while the other parts are polished, giving a nice contrast to the watch:





Isn't this plaque a nice " Clin D'oeil " at the Marine Chronometers?

I love a lot the shape of these lugs, a bit massive, but still elegant, as the watch is.

It is a quite big and thick watch ( 43 x 40,5mm ), and heavy, too, as the metal used for the case is Gold ( WG or RG ).





On the wrist, its presence and originality is obvious.

Once again, the weight is important, due to the metal and the volumes of the watch, but still comfortable, with a nice density.

I'd actually preferred a strap mounted on a simple buckle, which is not particular on this watch, but rather a general preference.





To me, it is a kind of a modern reinterpretation of a Marine Chronometer, " ala " Ulysse Nardin, echoing to the Past of this brand, includiin the latest of the Research in terms of materials.

Launched for the 160th Anniversary of the brand in a Limited Edition to celebrate this event,, it has, 3 years after, to be seen as the 1st ( of the 2d, if you consider the Freak as being the First ) chapter of a new Era.

Indeed, it was a new start for some exciting, very exciting new watches, like the Sonata Silicium, or the Moonstruck.

I like a lot the way U.N described it: " A Bridge between our Past and our Present ".

So, let's not forget it!

Best,

Nicolas

... it marks definitely a milestone in UN's history, and the number of small, unique details, such as the case and crystal shape, the lugs, the dial, the movement bridge (the only contemporary UN with this feature, since all others use balance cocks), make it a highly exclusive AND technically remarkable timepiece!

Regards,
Marcus

I'm a bit surprised that we don't speak more about it...

It has all an U.N watch must have: Innovation, Originality, a certain degree of sophistication, and an evocation of the brand's glorious past.

Not everybody's taste, of course, but everybody's consideration, IMO.

Best,

Nicolas

I am not sure I ever noticed that the case on this is ovalrather than perfectly round.  Not as dramatic as a Millenery, but interesting and attractive.The blue is intense on this, especially in the photo you took in the sun.

Definitely a special U.N., Nicolas.

Best,

respo

This is one of the watches I brought me almost everywhere.

A kind of UFO, in the current horological production, as almost each UN watch is...

Thanks for your input, my friend.

Best,

Nicolas

Thank you for sharing that and also for the excellent pics. That watch does bridge the gap between yesterday, today, and tomorrow for UN. I love the big date which depite being a bit of a fad is something I really like on modern watches. The only thing I am missing is the power reserve meter which I find useful as a complication.

Any chance of seeing a Stainless Steel version of this watch in the future.

My guess is that they won't, as an Anniversary has to stay ...Exceptionnal.

As you said, I love a lot the idea of a bridge between the Past, the Present, and the Future, in a watch.

I'm sure U.N won't cease to suprise us with some stunning creations.

Does Madness and Genius have limits?

I don't think so!



Best,

Nicolas

Interesting that it has the luminous dots set on the inside of the bezel rather than on the dial.

Thanks for the excellent pictures.

The first Chronometer I saw with these dots applied on the inside of the bezel was ...The JLC Geophysique, in 1958!



Best, and thanks for your input.

Nicolas

Nicolas,

I really like the last wrist picture.

Regards,

Falcon79

I also took some pics of it in the palm trees, if I remember well.



Best, and thanks for the enthusiastic comment.

Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-06-09 07:31:38

Thanks for posting this... I've had the pleasure of holding one and they are stunning!!!


HAGWE,
S

To be honest, when I first saw the pics of the 160 Anniversary, I was saying to myself " No Way ".

Then, I had a call from my AD who told me that he just received one, and when I saw it in the flesh, I immediately changed my mind.

This is one of these watches which gives all its sense to the Rule " Never judge a watch before seeing it in the flesh ".

Best,

Nicolas