BaselWorld 2008 Preview: Ulysse Nardin Sonata Silicium

Ulysse Nardin’s revolutionary use of materials continues, with the use of silicium in all its new models. The dial, micro-precision components, exclusive spring, oscillator, anchor and escapement, developed in collaboration with ASRH (Swiss Association for Horological Research), are technical features used in the movement and design of this latest model.

With the Sonata Silicium Limited Edition, Ulysse Nardin demonstrates the versatile use of silicium in watch making, including the production of micro precision components for our watch movements and for aesthetic use in the manufacture of watch dials.
The dial of the SONATA SILICIUM is cut out of a silicium wafer in its striking natural color; so too is the logo inlay on the winding rotor visible through the exhibition sapphire back of the case. The movement runs with a 28’800 A/h oscillator and an anchor escapement etched out of silicium. This escapement is the result of a research program which ASRH conducted and in which Ulysse Nardin participated. Both the anchor and escapement wheel are manufactured of silicium. In addition, 3 of the innovations first presented in August 2007 and tested within Ulysse Nardin’s InnoVision program have found their way into a serial product and are applied for the first time in a commercialized timekeeper.

* The front side/back side etched anchor with its integrated safety pin.
* The front side/back side etched roller with its integrated impulse finger.
* The silicium (1.1.1) cut hairspring (patent pending)

The Sonata Silicium is based on the technical movement features of the Sonata Cathedral Dual Time including the novel alarm setting with a countdown indicator and the dual time system with the instant time zone adjuster featured in many Ulysse Nardin watches.

This patented dual time function permits time zone adjustments forward and backward by simply pressing the pushers plus (+) or minus (-) to change the position of the hour hand. The original home time (reference time) stays displayed while the date, the alarm and countdown adjust automatically when a time zone adjustment is made. Available in a limited series of 300 in both 18ct pink and white gold.


Specifications:

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, large date, dual time system with instant time zone adjuster, countdown, cathedral gong alarm.
Case: 18K pink or white gold, 42 mm (limited series of 300 in both pink and white gold). Anti-reflective sapphire crystal and anti-reflective, screw-down sapphire back
Water-resistant to 30 m
Dial: Silicium; Second time zone; countdown and alarm counters at 6 o’clock, 10.30 and 1.30 respectively; double date window at 4 o’clock.
Bracelet/Strap: Alligator with 18K pink or white gold folding clasp

Info via Ulysse Nardin press kit