A quick view on the 160 Anniversary

Jan 17, 2009,13:52 PM
 


I have to admit that we don't often speak about this very special watch.

And I don't get why, as all in this watch is so special.

The first visible impressive thing is , of course, the shape of the case, which are revealed by its uncommon dimensions: 43 x 40,5 mm.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

First, the case, which is between round and " ovale " shaped, very strange, but very appealing, too.

The top, the sides, but also the case back have this particularity, and if it wasn't enough, U.N made it slightly ...curved, as you can see on the bezel.

Even the sapphire crystals are curved!

Really impressive.

The dial is also something very special, with its multi level layout, and different finishes, and this small seconds which is in harmony with the shape of the case.

Well thought, U.N!

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

The upper part of the dial, where is located the Big Date :

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

The subdial:

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

And then, you notice that some elements of the dial are finished with Geneva stripes ( the upper part ad the small seconds sub dial, again, in total harmony, and in a perfect balanced way ).

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

And if it was a modern and original re interpretation of a Marine Chronometer?

I really see it like that, as this watch is an interesting blend of elegance, sportivity and originality.

The legibility is perfect with these silver applied numbersn and the spade hands, too, which elegantly contrast with the deep blue dial, a symbolic color for U.N.

For the 160th Anniversary of the Brand, U.N didn't satisfy itself with an oonly original case, but also a very interesting movement, the well called Cal UN - 160, which is simply the first in house caliber, an automatic one, as you will be able to see, using the innovative Dual Ulysse Escapement in Silicium.

To be complete, we don't have to forget that this watch is an officially certified chronometer!

Here, the massive and impressive rotor, perfectly finished:

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Here, the whole movement, with a view on the dual escapement in silicium:

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

And here, a focus on the dual escapement with its silicium parts ( in dark blue, on the pic ) :

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

A last pic on the movement, to appreciate the nice finish.

Even if we saw better, in terms of finish it is not bad at all!

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

So, to give a conclusion to this post, the 160 Anniversary is an important watch, for the Collectors, but also for U.N.

This is ( Freak apart ), the first watch with an in house UN Automatic movement, housing a not too sophisticated but friendly complication, and very nicely and originally designed,
as an Hommage to a long UN Tradition, The Marine Chronometers.

Hope you will enjoy this quick view.

Best,

Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-01-17 13:52:59 This message has been edited by Marcus Hanke on 2009-01-27 15:03:27

  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

Great finishings, interesting caliber...

 
 By: foversta : January 17th, 2009-14:05
But I'm not convinced by some details, especially the two dates on the dial and a "lack" of simplicity I would like to see in a marine chronometer. Thanks Nicolas for the review. Fr.Xavier

That's why I speak of Modern Re interpretation, FX

 
 By: amanico : January 18th, 2009-01:40
One I will have to show you in the flesh. Funny what you said, becasue the first time I saw it in pics, I wasn't convinced at all. Then, My AD gave me a phonoe call to tell me that he received one, I answered " Yes, Yes, but not for me "... He insisted, t... 

Not convinced ..

 
 By: bimbeano : January 18th, 2009-02:36
... by the pics ? I like this UN a lot seeing these pictures (they are great). Blue-dialed watches , either i love them or i don't really like them ... this one is so well finished i'm a bit stunned! Thanks for this wonderful post Nicolas. Filip

Well, next time you come, Filip

 
 By: amanico : January 18th, 2009-02:38
Try to spend a whole day... As I will have to show you a lot of pieces..LOL Best, and thanks for your nice words, my friend, as usual. Nicolas

Next time ...

 
 By: bimbeano : January 18th, 2009-02:41

Pretty blue dial

 
 By: dxboon : January 18th, 2009-03:17
I like the blue dial, which does seem multi-dimensional and lovely, but I question the size and placement of the date module.  I think this is a model I'd have to see in the flesh to appreciate.  Thanks for the pictures though! Daos

You are breaking my heart again my friend.... A MARVELOUS PIECE! [nt]

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : January 18th, 2009-05:22
No message body This message has been edited by Ares501 on 2009-01-18 05:24:31

Finish

 
 By: aaronm : January 18th, 2009-08:25
I know I'm only seeing the pictures, but it looks like the cock that holds one of the escapement wheels is basically unfinished, no anglage and rough surface. In your second-to-last pic, it's the one protruding up from the balance wheel bridge. What's it ... 

UN is pursuing the tradition of concentrating on a well-made, technical finish ...

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : January 19th, 2009-14:28
... that means, that since I know UN watches, finish always had to be straight, useful, sometimes with typically Ulysse Nardin elements, such as enamel (or silicium) medals on the rotors, different colours of the movement bridges, etc. I always liked this... 

Ahh, but

 
 By: aaronm : January 19th, 2009-18:51
I wasn't comparing the UN finish to A. Lange, I was comparing the finish on the escape wheel cock to the upper bridges. It appears that the upper bridges have much finer stripes and anglage, whereas the lower cock doesn't A

a great looking watch that appeals to me in a big way

 
 By: G99 : January 21st, 2009-03:57
love the shape, the dial, the enamelling, everything. is it the model that comes with the gimballed thermometer or am i thinking of something else? best Graham

Correct, Graham

 
 By: amanico : January 23rd, 2009-08:22
But this is a Barometer, and the packaging also includes the UN Book. I share your enthusiasm, my Freakie Friend. Best. Nicolas