Basel 2014 preview: Ulysse Nardin Dual Time Manufacture

Jan 22, 2014,02:45 AM
 

Dual Time Manufacture.





Born from an iconic line, the Dual Time Manufacture enables the second time zone and date to be adjusted both forward and backward. Like the Marine collection, it is now equipped with a movement that has been developed and manufactured entirely in-house by Ulysse Nardin.

Never before had a watchmaker so perfectly fulfilled the desire for comfort of frequent travelers and explorers. Part of an iconic Ulysse Nardin collection, the launch of the Dual Time Manufacture was a significant milestone in the history of contemporary watchmaking. For the first time, it was possible to adjust the second time zone forward as well as backward. Now, this incredible timepiece returns equipped with an automatic movement that has been developed, designed and manufactured entirely in-house: caliber UN-334. Endowed with a Big Date double window display, also adjustable in both directions, it boasts a silicon escapement, the height of watchmaking technology that very few brands are able to master.








Independence through innovation: the Ulysse Nardin Manufacture constantly pursues the steep but extraordinarily worthwhile path it chose to take a few years ago. Offering hours, minutes, oversized small seconds at 6 o’clock, a big date double window display and second time zone functions, the Dual Time Manufacture is without doubt one of the easiest watches to read and adjust on the market. While the “home time” indicator advances steadily over 24 hours in an aperture at 9 o’clock, the small hand can easily be aligned with local time, either forward or backward. This is achieved simply by pressing the (+) or (-) pushers positioned at 10 o'clock and 8 o’clock, without having to remove the watch from the wrist or interrupting its timekeeping. The ultimate in mechanical refinement, the calendar function automatically synchronizes with adjustments made in either direction.









Behind this simplicity of use – a true lesson in functionality – the Manufacture caliber UN-334 deploys the results of many years of research. Featuring a 48-hour power reserve, it is equipped with a silicon anchor, escape wheel and roller. The 4 Hz oscillator also has a patented 1.1.1. silicon balance spring, guaranteeing impressive accuracy. Having made its watchmaking début a little over 10 years ago thanks to the pioneering efforts of Ulysse Nardin, this highly contemporary material requires hardly any lubrication and resists wear more than any other. Complex to work with, its manufacturing techniques remain the prerogative of just a handful of watchmakers. The self-winding movement, a technological gem, is showcased through a sapphire case-back.




The bold modernity of this outstanding timepiece is complemented by a few classic touches, for an air of casual elegance. Water resistant to 30 m, its completely redesigned 42 mm-diameter case is available in steel or 18 ct rose gold, mounted on a leather strap or a steel or rose gold bracelet with deployment buckle. While ensuring perfect readability, the openwork hour and minute hands that sweep around the black or silver-finish dial add a delicate, light touch that characterizes truly timeless watches. This chameleon-like piece is equally suited to a day in town or an important occasion.



Technical Data.


Ref. 3346-126-91

Movement Caliber UN-334, 11 ¾‘’’ In-house designed movement Escapement in Silicium Oscillator: patented inertial balance wheel I 8 with silicium hairspring 49 jewels
Power-Reserve Approximately 48 h
Winding Self-winding
Functions patented quickset 2nd time display at 9 o’clock Permanent home time at 9 o’clock Big Date display, forward and backward date corrector Oversized small seconds-hand counter Case 18 ct gold or stainless steel
Crown Water-resistant
Diameter 42 mm
Water-Resistance 30 m
Crystal Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Case-Back Sapphire crystal
Bracelet Leather strap with folding buckle or stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp

Press release


This message has been edited by Marcus Hanke on 2014-01-22 02:46:38

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Thank you Marcus ...

 
 By: nilomis : January 22nd, 2014-02:57
It seems that UN is heading on a proper direction, making movements "in house" and removing the ETA. I had one ETA based Dual Time and I miss it. Sometimes (or most of the times) I do silly moves. The black dialed SS is a great object of desire. Cheers, N... 

Marcus thanks for that preview. (nt)

 
 By: Ronald Held : January 22nd, 2014-04:42
NT

Excellent! Improved all around to my eyes.

 
 By: MichaelC : January 22nd, 2014-06:41
In addition to the movement upgrades, this is UN's first dual time watch that really tempts me. It's gorgeous. It has design attributes similar to the "Perpetual Manufacture" as they call the new watch on their website. Photo from our own Fx: I must say, ...  

Improved mechanically, and also aesthetically.

 
 By: amanico : January 22nd, 2014-08:12
A superb look. Well done, U.N. Best, Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-01-22 08:13:13

Looks great... Anyone know the MSRP for the steel version?

 
 By: Bodo : January 22nd, 2014-16:48
Great watch, useful complications, inhouse movement and good size. Love the design, in particular with black dial. Does anyone know the MSRP? This might be the first UN that makes it on my wish list.

I am glad Ulysse Nardin kept the classic design of dual time...

 
 By: MrkK : January 23rd, 2014-11:00
I guess I will be upgrading my dual times soon. Marcus, I have one question though: any reason UN reduced the water resistance to 30m? The previous version (at least stainless steel one ) had 100m water resistance .

They are, at UN, harmonizing the collection. This one makes me think about

 
 By: amanico : February 9th, 2014-23:30
The new Perpetual... Which I still have to show! Best, Nicolas

Looking really nice

 
 By: rnaden : February 10th, 2014-03:54
And it's the first time I'm seeing the UN Certification seal on the movement. Maybe I've not been paying attention, but I can't help wonder if they will eventually take the path of self certification instead of the COSC path in the future. Thanks for shar... 

UN continues to create designs that have 'dissonanace'

 
 By: Mostel : February 15th, 2014-19:05
I look at these new ones and say--hmmm nice----hmm--weird... hmm nice.... hmmm why'd they choose that element, and not THAT element? I think this is why I like UN. They are a weird brand. Even these classic-ish watches are still a tad weird... I like them...