A quick refresher on the Ulysse Nardin Caliber 160

MichaelC

In 2006, for UN's 160th Anniversary, the brand launched its first in-house designed and manufactured movement. The movement would end up powering only 1000 watches - 500 white gold Anniversary 160s and 500 red gold Anniversary 160s.

This "base" movement powers what appear at first glance to be a rather basic set of features - hours, minutes, sub seconds, and a big date, with a 50 hour power reserve. But of course with Ulysse Nardin, there is always more to the story.

The sub seconds indicator on this movement is what UN terms "direct drive". That means the display does not lose any precision when indicating the seconds. The movement also happens to be a "hack seconds" movement, so when the crown is pulled to the time setting position, the balance wheel is stopped and the seconds hand holds still for precise time setting.

The big date also deserves recognition. First of all, it is perfectly trimmed and the display wheels are in the same plane. But the UN movement touches include a date that can be rapidly adjusted forward or backwards, and a protection feature to prevent the user from accidentally damaging the function if using the rapid corrector during the changing zone. When you adjust the date on this watch, it moves very quickly and precisely, and a short rotation of the crown allows the date to move (as opposed to some movements where it seems you must rotate the crown quite a bit more for each date change).

We see more of Caliber 160's technical prowess through the caseback window. I still find this movement one of the most beautiful automatic winding base calibers I have seen. The rotor has a unique guilloche hatch pattern, and the "160" logo is filled with a brilliant blue lacquer. It glides over ceramic ball bearings.

And look at this beautiful green geared wheel...

Which actually changes to purple and blue depending on the light. Well, that is part of the Dual Ulysse Escapement.

First launched in the 28'800 V/h Freak, this escapement requires no lubrication and all but eliminates sliding friction. The system utilizes 2 wheels, each with 18 teeth. UN's design allows for a substantial reduction in lift angle to around 30 degrees. Per Ulysse Nardin: "Lift angle is the arc run by the balance between its first contact with the escapement and its last contact. The shorter the arc is, the lower is the disturbance of the natural oscillation of the balance".

In order to use two wheels for the escapement, they have to be extremely light weight. Utilizing photolithography and electro-plating to build the wheels from nickel phosphorous, the wheels are virtually weightless after being skeletonized.

The balance wheel is adjusted with 4 inertia screws. You will see they are recessed into the outer rim, with the purpose of reducing turbulence when the movement is running.

The Caliber 160 comes with COSC testing and therefore is an officially certified chronometer.

I remember when the watch launched in 2006. I thought it was the very definition of a "novelty" watch - entirely new from top to bottom, inside and out.

Lately I find myself dreaming of a Sonata Silicium or maybe even a Freak Cruiser. 2 pieces which epitomize Ulysse Nardin. But does either do so more than the Anniversary 160 with its dazzling Caliber 160? Maybe not.

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2014-01-11 14:47:02

Comments:

amanico January 10th, 2014-13:45

I love your last question, Michael. The Freak and the Sonata are different, but complementary. The 160 is apart, too. In fact, you need the three. The 160 is, in my book, a great Watch: An original and very cool case, a nice dial, and a great movement. A movement which was produced for this...

MichaelC January 10th, 2014-13:59

I guess I better really save then! To have all 3, well, that would be an amazing trifecta (hmm... who do I know who has this amazing grouping?!?) I have certainly pondered the 2 I'm missing; modern legends really. Lately, I have thought I would like to reduce my small collection even furth...

amanico January 10th, 2014-14:04

I can tell you that the Freak and the Sonata ( not necessarily in this order ) are Two of my most precious keepers. The Sonata, I brought it with me everywhere in the world, during all my holidays, and very often at the Court, to deconcentrate the attorney when he pleads against my clients. ;) The Freak, this is a piece of modern and ma...

MichaelC January 10th, 2014-14:27

We often write "LOL" My Friend, I really did laugh out loud when I read this: "...to deconcentrate the attorney when he pleads against my clients" It was almost as good as: "A Ghost hidden behind a Phantom... Only U.N. could do that". Thank you for the Friday chuckle :-) And ...

amanico January 10th, 2014-14:29

I did it! With the Sonata, and with the JLC MMR. ;) Too good to see the attorney loosing his ideas... ;) Only U.N can do that! :) Best, Nicolas

Mitch K January 10th, 2014-22:17

Fantastic! I have finally found a way to write off some of my watches! I too deal with attorneys but as a consultant and not as an opposing counsel. To hear that i could mess with them while testifying is too good to be true. I shall keep that in mind and seek the advise of lawyer friends for some of my next purchases and pe...

amanico January 10th, 2014-23:18

Very well put, Mitch. Yes, the Sonata is more practical yet unique and the mother more unique but less practical... That is it. I've read something while writing something about the Innovision and the JLC Extrem Lab One... Something which was written by U.N, you will see why t...

Mitch K January 11th, 2014-09:14

No I don't have a 160. At the time I felt that many of the components featured in the watch I already had in other UN's. Funds were also an issue at the time. A beauty it is but my eyes have been grabbed by others. Mitch

amanico January 11th, 2014-23:35

I can understand. There are so many beauties in the UN world.

MichaelC January 12th, 2014-15:33

Appreciate your reply Mitch. One thing about UN... They do things there own way and don't follow market trends. Sure, they might come out with an all black Diver or have pieces get a little bigger here and there, but this brand deserves respect for what they offer to the world of watchmaking. Many break t...

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foversta

Report of a cocktail at the Ulysse Nardin boutique in Paris

foversta

I had the opportunity today to attend a cocktail at the Ulysse Nardin boutique in presence of Mrs Chai Schnyder, chairwoman of the board of UN and of Mr Patrick Hoffmann, CEO of the company. The objective of the cocktail was to discover in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere the latest Ulysse Nardin novelties including one which was unveiled a few days ago. There are currently 19 Ulysse Nardin boutiques, the latest being opened in New-York a few days ago. The Boutique in Paris is operated by french retailer Kronometry, it is the reason why Mr Walter Ronchetti was also welcoming the guests.

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