The Manual Wind: Ulysse Nardin Steel Anniversary

By Ian Schwam June 15, 2016

the manual wind ulysse nardin steel anniversary un170email — Image used with permission by copyright holder

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 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.

Topics

Watches

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Contributing writer and watch enthusiast Ian Schwam dons an expert knowledge of all things watches. Having spent a decade in…

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