A view on Mo's very special Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral.
amanico
Mo already posted some pictures of a watch he dreamt about, a very special Sonata Cathedral, with its silicium escapement and decoration on the dial.
As you know, the Sonata Silicium was made in a limited edition of 500 pieces.
Among these 500 pieces, a few were made with a special dial, or, more precisely, with dedicated red hands.
5 were planned, and-Mo, correct me if I am wrong- only 3 were finally produced.
The question, the doubt I had was about these red hands, as I feared they would cause some tire, with time passing.
Mo is still in love with this watch, and very happy with this combination of colors.
I have to say that the pictures don't give justice to this special Sonata.
In the real, this watch is really spectacular, yes, but it has, also, a lot of charm and appeal.
The red hands give a touch of life and of dynamism to this dark dial, and are eye catching.
On the pictures, if you take some time and put some efforts, the outcome is far from being bad, even if the real experience is unbeatable, to fully appreciate it.
Here are a few pictures of mine, with its all silver dial and blue hands:
My Sonata is a first generation, with its solid case back, and a conventional escapement.
In White Gold:
Or in Rose Gold:
The first generation, in this configuration of dial , is more discrete than Mo's watch, without doubt.
It allows its owner to wear it in many circumstances, being formal or dressy.
Mo's Sonata is indisputably more spectacular, but strangely more... How can I say... Dressy? Formal? Precious?
This impression is due to the smooth, icy silicium part of the dial, bearing the wording. which works in harmony with the darkened Cotes De Genève.
While we are at it, I would also have treated the hands of the alarm and of its countdown in red, rather than in blue, but this small detail doesn't remove the charm and the appeal of this dial.
I let you, now, judge the difference by yourself with the following pictures:
The back side won't provide any surprise, as it is exactly the same than the one of the Cathedral, Silicium or not.
Here is a view of the case back:
A last word on the Alarm sound, as I was never able, before, to listen to a Sonata Silicium.
Here, the sound is a bit more agressive than on the first generation with the solid case back, but I could not feel a difference between the Cathedral and Mo's one.
Like any other Sonata, the alarm lasts one minute, which is exceptional for such a complication.
An exceptional watch, which was Rolf Schnyder's travel watch, by the way.
Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,
Best.
Nicolas.
PS: Thanks, Mo, for having let me play with your very special Sonata.
As you know, the Sonata Silicium was made in a limited edition of 500 pieces.
Among these 500 pieces, a few were made with a special dial, or, more precisely, with dedicated red hands.
5 were planned, and-Mo, correct me if I am wrong- only 3 were finally produced.
The question, the doubt I had was about these red hands, as I feared they would cause some tire, with time passing.
Mo is still in love with this watch, and very happy with this combination of colors.
I have to say that the pictures don't give justice to this special Sonata.
In the real, this watch is really spectacular, yes, but it has, also, a lot of charm and appeal.
The red hands give a touch of life and of dynamism to this dark dial, and are eye catching.
On the pictures, if you take some time and put some efforts, the outcome is far from being bad, even if the real experience is unbeatable, to fully appreciate it.
Here are a few pictures of mine, with its all silver dial and blue hands:
My Sonata is a first generation, with its solid case back, and a conventional escapement.
Quickly, UN changed the solid case back for a see through one, to have an eye on the Cal UN 67, and the Sonata became " Cathedral
Then, more recently, came this Sonata Cathedral Silicium.
Then, more recently, came this Sonata Cathedral Silicium.
In White Gold:
Or in Rose Gold:
The first generation, in this configuration of dial , is more discrete than Mo's watch, without doubt.
It allows its owner to wear it in many circumstances, being formal or dressy.
Mo's Sonata is indisputably more spectacular, but strangely more... How can I say... Dressy? Formal? Precious?
This impression is due to the smooth, icy silicium part of the dial, bearing the wording. which works in harmony with the darkened Cotes De Genève.
While we are at it, I would also have treated the hands of the alarm and of its countdown in red, rather than in blue, but this small detail doesn't remove the charm and the appeal of this dial.
I let you, now, judge the difference by yourself with the following pictures:
The back side won't provide any surprise, as it is exactly the same than the one of the Cathedral, Silicium or not.
Here is a view of the case back:
And, as a bonus, the Cal U.N 67:
Without the rotor:
Let's not forget that the Sonata is certainly one of the most sophisticated Alarm Watch, available on the market, with the Harry Winston Z6, sue to its original combination of complications: Alarm sounding like a minute repeater, which you can set on 24 hours, alarm countdown, GMT, Big Date that you can set forward AND backward.
Without the rotor:
Let's not forget that the Sonata is certainly one of the most sophisticated Alarm Watch, available on the market, with the Harry Winston Z6, sue to its original combination of complications: Alarm sounding like a minute repeater, which you can set on 24 hours, alarm countdown, GMT, Big Date that you can set forward AND backward.
A last word on the Alarm sound, as I was never able, before, to listen to a Sonata Silicium.
Here, the sound is a bit more agressive than on the first generation with the solid case back, but I could not feel a difference between the Cathedral and Mo's one.
Like any other Sonata, the alarm lasts one minute, which is exceptional for such a complication.
An exceptional watch, which was Rolf Schnyder's travel watch, by the way.
Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,
Best.
Nicolas.
PS: Thanks, Mo, for having let me play with your very special Sonata.
Comments:
M4 October 8th, 2016-03:02
Fantastic! These watches are the top of the top UNs in my book. I love both versions, Mo's and yours, Nicolas. Thanks for the usual great write up. M4
amanico October 8th, 2016-05:01
I agree. One of the most inspiring and inspired creations.
Ares501 - Mr Green October 8th, 2016-03:03
Our dear Mo is such connoisseur ;) Yours is not bad either my friend Sonata is one of top 5 pieces UN made during their rich history Thanks for this delight during Croatian independence day Yours D
amanico October 8th, 2016-05:04
Agreed. Along with the Freak, the Astronomical Set, the Hourstriker and the Perpetual Calendar GMT. Happy Croatian Day, my friends. Best, Nicolas
Ares501 - Mr Green October 8th, 2016-05:33
That is it! :) Throw in anniversary and we are in UN heaven
KMII October 8th, 2016-03:12
Both are simply wonderful :) So many fascinating elements, starting with the playful hands, the unique and wonderfully sounding alarm, the combination of complications... Love yours and Mo\'s is definitely special in another way Some day - or put differently, the Sonata in one shape ...
amanico October 8th, 2016-05:13
That would be an excellent choice, my friend. As said above, a part of UN Genius.
Bounce781 October 8th, 2016-04:08
Magnificent watch in all its generations Thank you to the comprehensive write up
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amanico
Ulysse Nardin Astronomical Watches: A step above the clouds.
amanico
The Astrolabium was the first to be launched, in 1985, while the Planetarium came in 1988 and the Tellurium, in 1992. The first Astrolabium ( I can't remember who to credit for this photo. sorry ) : The first Planetarium: And the Tellurium, which as you can see, had conventional lugs: Made of yellow gold, these watches weren't, logically, available as a set. We had to wait a bit before seeing them offered as a set, with the new cases.
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