MichaelC
[AP Moderator]
18849
A quick refresher on the Ulysse Nardin Caliber 160
In 2006, for UN's 160th Anniversary, the brand launched its first in-house designed and manufactured movement. The movement would end up powering only 1000 watches - 500 white gold Anniversary 160s and 500 red gold Anniversary 160s.
This "base" movement powers what appear at first glance to be a rather basic set of features - hours, minutes, sub seconds, and a big date, with a 50 hour power reserve. But of course with Ulysse Nardin, there is always more to the story.
The sub seconds indicator on this movement is what UN terms "direct drive". That means the display does not lose any precision when indicating the seconds. The movement also happens to be a "hack seconds" movement, so when the crown is pulled to the time setting position, the balance wheel is stopped and the seconds hand holds still for precise time setting.
The big date also deserves recognition. First of all, it is perfectly trimmed and the display wheels are in the same plane. But the UN movement touches include a date that can be rapidly adjusted forward or backwards, and a protection feature to prevent the user from accidentally damaging the function if using the rapid corrector during the changing zone. When you adjust the date on this watch, it moves very quickly and precisely, and a short rotation of the crown allows the date to move (as opposed to some movements where it seems you must rotate the crown quite a bit more for each date change).
We see more of Caliber 160's technical prowess through the caseback window. I still find this movement one of the most beautiful automatic winding base calibers I have seen. The rotor has a unique guilloche hatch pattern, and the "160" logo is filled with a brilliant blue lacquer. It glides over ceramic ball bearings.
And look at this beautiful green geared wheel...
Which actually changes to purple and blue depending on the light. Well, that is part of the Dual Ulysse Escapement.
First launched in the 28'800 V/h Freak, this escapement requires no lubrication and all but eliminates sliding friction. The system utilizes 2 wheels, each with 18 teeth. UN's design allows for a substantial reduction in lift angle to around 30 degrees. Per Ulysse Nardin: "Lift angle is the arc run by the balance between its first contact with the escapement and its last contact. The shorter the arc is, the lower is the disturbance of the natural oscillation of the balance".
In order to use two wheels for the escapement, they have to be extremely light weight. Utilizing photolithography and electro-plating to build the wheels from nickel phosphorous, the wheels are virtually weightless after being skeletonized.
The balance wheel is adjusted with 4 inertia screws. You will see they are recessed into the outer rim, with the purpose of reducing turbulence when the movement is running.
The Caliber 160 comes with COSC testing and therefore is an officially certified chronometer.
I remember when the watch launched in 2006. I thought it was the very definition of a "novelty" watch - entirely new from top to bottom, inside and out.
The Caliber 160 comes with COSC testing and therefore is an officially certified chronometer.
I remember when the watch launched in 2006. I thought it was the very definition of a "novelty" watch - entirely new from top to bottom, inside and out.
Lately I find myself dreaming of a Sonata Silicium or maybe even a Freak Cruiser. 2 pieces which epitomize Ulysse Nardin. But does either do so more than the Anniversary 160 with its dazzling Caliber 160? Maybe not.
This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2014-01-11 14:47:02
A quick refresher on the Ulysse Nardin Caliber 160
In 2006, for UN's 160th Anniversary, the brand launched its first in-house designed and manufactured movement. The movement would end up powering only 1000 watches - 500 white gold Anniversary 160s and 500 red gold Anniversary 160s. This "base" movement p...
I love your last question, Michael.
The Freak and the Sonata are different, but complementary. The 160 is apart, too. In fact, you need the three. The 160 is, in my book, a great Watch: An original and very cool case, a nice dial, and a great movement. A movement which was produced for this...
I guess I better really save then!
To have all 3, well, that would be an amazing trifecta (hmm... who do I know who has this amazing grouping?!?) I have certainly pondered the 2 I'm missing; modern legends really. Lately, I have thought I would like to reduce my small collection even furth...
I can tell you that the Freak and the Sonata ( not necessarily in this order ) are
Two of my most precious keepers. The Sonata, I brought it with me everywhere in the world, during all my holidays, and very often at the Court, to deconcentrate the attorney when he pleads against my clients. ;) The Freak, this is a piece of modern and ma...
We often write "LOL"
My Friend, I really did laugh out loud when I read this: "...to deconcentrate the attorney when he pleads against my clients" It was almost as good as: "A Ghost hidden behind a Phantom... Only U.N. could do that". Thank you for the Friday chuckle :-) And ...
I did it! With the Sonata, and with the JLC MMR. ;)
Too good to see the attorney loosing his ideas... ;) Only U.N can do that! :) Best, Nicolas
Fantastic! I have finally found a way to write off some of my watches!
I too deal with attorneys but as a consultant and not as an opposing counsel. To hear that i could mess with them while testifying is too good to be true. I shall keep that in mind and seek the advise of lawyer friends for some of my next purchases and pe...
Very well put, Mitch.
Yes, the Sonata is more practical yet unique and the mother more unique but less practical... That is it. I've read something while writing something about the Innovision and the JLC Extrem Lab One... Something which was written by U.N, you will see why t...
No I don't have a 160. At the time I felt that many of the components
featured in the watch I already had in other UN's. Funds were also an issue at the time. A beauty it is but my eyes have been grabbed by others. Mitch
Appreciate your reply Mitch. One thing about UN...
They do things there own way and don't follow market trends. Sure, they might come out with an all black Diver or have pieces get a little bigger here and there, but this brand deserves respect for what they offer to the world of watchmaking. Many break t...
I thought about it when it came out, but there was too much..
writing on the dial. Funds are always the problem when wanting UNs(and a few other brands)
For me too Ronald...
There are many UNs I would like to add, but they are all very expensive. That said, I find the retail levels of the high end pieces to be fair, especially when compared to other brands.
Thank you for that well-written portrait ...
... of the cal. 160. I, too, always wondered why this movement was to remain an exotic thing in the development of Ulysse Nardin movements. When launched originally, it was presented as new standard movement, with the first large-scale series production u...
Interesting, what you said about the Cal 160 Future, Marcus.
I had several discussions with U.N on that, and I have been told that the Cal 160 has " died " with the eponym Watch. Since UN has a lot of plans for the 118... Best, Nicolas
Sometimes, operational decision are overthrown quickly ...
... when specific demands arise. I look at the cal. 118, and see a movement with integrated power reserve, small seconds and conventional (small) date display, also integrated. I look at the lineup of UN watches and see a ton of timepieces with small seco...
You seem to be right, Nicolas ...
... since the new Dual-Time Manufacture is indeed based on a movement with Swiss lever escapement rather than the Dual Ulysse. Marcus
My pleasure Marcus.
The Anniversary 160 is a watch I always enjoy talking about, and there is plenty to say about its unique attributes. The case and dial are deserving of their own post, which maybe I can add in the future. I appreciate your comments regarding the calibers ...
