The era of large cases was welcomed by Ulysse Nardin, noted Hoffmann, who also recalls that
the first perpetual made with this movement was 37.5mm in diameter. He adds that a larger, thicker,
case is a better showcase for the firm's movement innovation.
 The
new Quadrato is 13.7mm thick and, as noted earlier, 42mm square. Made only in gold, either rose
or white, the case reminds some of the similarly shaped designs from the 1970s. Inset into the hobnailed
dial is a square seconds subdial, the GMT chapter track (1-24) around its edge, and the day,
date and year indicators.
With
the various indicators on the dial, the firm's use of the skeleton hands with luminous tips
insures high visibility. These hands, notes Hoffmann, spring from the more rounded versions seen
on the revolutionary alarm watch from several years ago, the Sonata. Used since in a less skeletal
form on the Maxi Marine dive models, U.N. fans at first debated their use, but most have come
to enjoy the openness such design allows.
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openness makes the Ulysse Nardin anchor very visible on the movement's rotor. This lacquered
logo is seen through the sapphire display on the back of the case. The same logo is visible
on the screwed-in crown.
The
Quadrato Dual Time Perpetual is made only in rose gold or white gold, and with an anthracite
or a silver dial; and is priced starting at $38,800 and ranging up to $60,000 if diamonds are placed
into the bezel or dial.
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