Skip to main content

The Manual Wind: Ulysse Nardin Steel Anniversary

the manual wind ulysse nardin steel anniversary un170email
The lugs of a timepiece are extremely important.  I would liken then to the rims of a car.  These four identical pieces are not only necessary for the use of the item, but greatly effect the appearance aesthetically.  The point at which the strap is attached to the watch case can alter a watches personality greatly.  In the case of the new Ulysse Nardin Classico Manufacture 170th Anniversary, the lugs define the piece.

un170email

At 40mm in diameter, this stainless steel dress piece is quite different from your typical Ulysse Nardin.  In the past, limited edition timepieces were made in precious metals only.  Here we have a limited edition of 170 pieces made in steel.  The dial of this piece is hand painted enamel which is more consistent with past UN limited pieces.  Blue roman numerals are matched with blue steel hands and a blue crocodile strap to make this classic yet casual dress look.  Below the in-house crafted dial lies the UN in-house caliber UN-320 movement which features a Silicium hair spring and anchor escapement.  The lugs of this limited piece and of the Classico line are what make this piece though.  Strong, angled, and pronounced, they take your average 40mm dress piece and add strength to the design.

Ulysse Nardin is like many other brands, constantly introducing limited edition pieces.  Most are complicated and/or precious metals.  This piece is unique in that it is a dress piece made of stainless steel.  This does not detract from the piece one bit, rather making it more unique.  The dial and movement are both in-house products that truly exhibit the DNA of Ulysse Nardin.  Detail in dials, technology and new materials in their movements, and blue accents describe UN and this piece encompasses it all for their 170th Anniversary.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Ian Schwam
Contributing writer and watch enthusiast Ian Schwam dons an expert knowledge of all things watches. Having spent a decade in…
The Manual Wind: Bell & Ross Goes Blue & Gold with the Aeronavale
Bell & Ross Aeronavale, br aeronavale, watch, luxury watch

Certain color combinations in watches are a no brainer.  With the high quality materials used to produce the dials and hands, great contrast can be well executed.  One of these combinations is blue and gold.  There is something eye-catching about this casual combination that draws you in on sight.  Whether in their square BR case with different finishes and colors, or in their latest introduction with a more classic feel, Bell & Ross is a master of contrast.  Their latest example, the BR Aeronavale makes blue and gold look good once again.

At a large but not too large 43mm in diameter, this steel case is from their round BR line of timepieces.  Offered in both time and date, and a chronograph complication, the color scheme looks good.  A radiant blue dial is matched with gold appliqués to make the hours along the perimeter.  Gold hands with superluminova for added legibility match as well.  The bezel is blue and gold as well; made of blue anodized aluminum.  Under the all the aesthetics lies a BR swiss automatic movement.  The piece is matched with either blue alligator or blue calf with deployment buckle to complete the color scheme.

Read more
The Manual Wind: Ulysse Nardin Makes a Colorful Black Sea Diver
the manual wind ulysse nardin makes a colorful black sea diver undiver

In the watch world, it is very common for a brand to exploit a single watch blueprint.  Watches like the Hublot Big Bang, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, and the Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver have all seen many variations and limited editions over the years.  While it is tough to ruin a classic timepiece design, sometimes a brand can go a little overboard.  The Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver is the staple sport piece in UN’s large line of timepieces.  Over the years it has increased to its current size of nearly 46mm.  It’s latest production model, the Diver Black Sea, takes this classic sport piece over the top.

Vulcanized rubber coats this 45.8mm stainless steel case to give this UN a black textured finish.   The instant focus of the piece is the bezel.  Raising an eyebrow, what is in the bezel?  At first glance I thought black diamond baguettes until I saw all the color variations.  The bezel is set with ceramic baguettes keeping the price reasonable while offering this very unique look.  Offered in black, white, yellow, and blue, each color piece has a matching dial and strap.  Giving it a skeletonized appearance, waves of the matching color break across the dial keeping the Ulysse Nardin’s nautical theme.  Below the dial lies a UN automatic in-house caliber movement with 48 hour power reserve and power indicator.  More vulcanized rubber and ceramic attach this piece to the wrist with a folding buckle and ceramic elements with the Ulysse Nardin logo.

Read more
The Manual Wind: The Fabergé Visionnaire Double Timezone for your Wrist
Faberge Visionnaire, Double Timezone

What is in a name?  Watch conglomerates are experts at rejuvenation by digging in the files of watchmaking’s past, choosing a brand with history and resurrecting it with present technology.  Many current brands have taken this path.  Years dormant and suddenly revived.  Fabergé is a name known very well.  Perhaps its fame is not from watchmaking, but why not create a watch?  Fabergé is known for its priceless and collectible eggs, clocks and object d’art.  Almost synonymous with royalty, why shouldn't this brand be utilized today for luxury?

The latest creation out of the house of Fabergé is the Fabergé Visionnaire Double Timezone.  Offered in DLC titanium or rose gold, this 43mm timepiece is a standout.  A domed sapphire crystal encapsulates the futuristic design of the dial.  The hands can be seen protruding from a center ring to tell the time, while in the center of this ring lies a wheel displaying a second timezone digitally.  Great texture and detail give this piece a very futuristic look.  Under the dial lies a well dressed 50 hour power reserve in-house caliber movement.  This can also be seen from the underside of the watch.  This piece is attached to the wrist with either a black or brown crocodile strap.

Read more