A NON-TRADITIONAL CLASSIC

Although Ulysse Nardin prides itself on being a relatively avant-garde brand, it still has the sense of tradition in its genes. Technically and often aesthetically innovative, it has still kept a respect for ancestral watchmaking expertise. An embodiment of the brand’s homage to the era that inspired the modern timepiece is the new Classic Dual Time Enamel model.

This edition limited to 99 pieces and only available from Ulysse Nardin outlets skilfully blends cutting-edge technology and traditional craftsmanship. The dial displays a modern aesthetic in some of its features (date, home time and mode selector), which delicately stand out against the more “timeless” aesthetic features (‘Grand Feu’ enamel, Roman numerals, leaf-shaped hands).

Like most of the brand’s dials, the Classic Dual Time Enamel dial was made by Donzé Cadrans, a subsidiary of the Ulysse Nardin group. The disc, coated with ivory-coloured ‘Grand Feu’ enamel, houses an hour rim featuring slender Roman numerals, while a minute track runs around the chapter ring. These black elements set up a strong contrast with the ecru colour of the enamel, a contrast also resulting from the pair of hour and minute hands showing the local time. The seconds are displayed in a large subdial at 6 o’clock. A small window at 9 o’clock shows the home time and the date is given in a double counter at 2 o’clock. At 3 o’clock, a cone-shaped indicator is linked to the selector controlling the crown, so that the user can set the time and date without pulling out the crown.

The 42mm-wide case of the Classic Dual Time Enamel has two monopushers on the sides, at 8 and 10 o’clock, making it easy to set the second time zone in both directions. This steel setting contains the calibre UN-324, a self-winding movement equipped with a silicon escapement, and providing a power reserve of 48 hours.

Price: 12,900 CHF

By Sharmila Bertin