 Caliber 160
All this wonderful modern technology has now been put to use to manufacture Ulysse Nardin’s first
serial caliber of the modern era. Fifty-two-jewel Caliber 160—which was conceived as a base
movement that will later contain any number of complications—beats with the Dual Ulysse
Escapement first seen in the previously mentioned Freak 28,800 V/h. The two wheels belonging
to this escapement have a total of eighteen active teeth, which do not need lubrication thanks
to the smooth, hard material they are made of: a LIGA-induced nickelphosphorus alloy.
Caliber 160
is automatic, and its unidirectionally winding rotor runs on four ceramic ball bearings that also
do not require lubrication or maintenance. It is also an officially certified C.O.S.C.
chronometer–quite an accomplishment for a new movement. A power reserve of fifty hours is achieved with
just one spring barrel thanks to the nonfriction elements of the movement.
|
|
The caliber
has been outfitted with a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock. This was the style of traditional
marine chronometers, so important to Ulysse Nardin’s "first life" and continuing patrimony.
The seconds hack is for optimal synchronization.
Another
interesting characteristic of Caliber 160 is its balance bridge—yes, bridge. Ulysse Nardin
chose a bridge rather than a cock for greater security and stability of the entire regulating organ.
The balance, so important to this organ, is also made in Ulysse Nardin’s factory. It is not regulated
by index, but rather four weighted screws recessed into the balance wheel. Except for the balance
spring, all of the balance’s parts are proudly made in this factory. The regulating system beats
at 28,800 oscillations per hour.
Anniversary 160
To celebrate both the milestone of the 160th anniversary and the brand’s first manufacture movement
of the modern era, Ulysse Nardin this year introduced the Anniversary 160 models, available in
two series of 500. A dial that Rolf Schnyder designed in the company’s hallmark marine deep-blue
color characterizes these white gold or red gold beauties. All engravings on the dial have
been done by hand—including the plate marking the grand occasion.
Due to
this circumstance, that which the company previously outsourced in terms of movement components
is for the most part now done in-house for the 13,000 to 14,000 watches that are manufactured
there per year.
And at 160,
this year indeed marks a grand occasion for Ulysse Nardin.
|