Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Ulysse Nardin Carnival of Venice Minute Repeater

This just in from Ulysse Nardin -

Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin finds inspiration in one of the world’s most romantic cities for the new, limited-edition Minute Repeater Carnival of Venice, a creation of stunning artistic illustration and brilliant engineering. And, it’s not the first time this magical place has been the setting for a Ulysse Nardin timepiece’s tale.

In the late 1980s, Ulysse Nardin introduced San Marco, a watch that symbolized the rebirth of the minute repeater, a complication that allows time to not only be seen, but also heard in sublime quality. A repeater is as much a musical instrument as it is a timekeeper. Renowned for its many “firsts” in watchmaking, Ulysse Nardin introduced a surprising variation to this late 17th century invention – the “Jaquemart”.

Jaquemarts are beautifully animated figures set into the dial and move in sync with the activated minute repeater, contributing to the storyline of the timepiece. 
Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin 

Its dial, the heart of the timepiece, depicts two figures in front of the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal. Both Jaquemarts are wearing masks, alluding to the Carnival of Venice. The feeling of festivity is set. With the minute repeater’s chiming of the hours, quarters and minutes, the Jaquemarts lift their masks. To this day, Ulysse Nardin remains among the rare manufacturers in the world to use Jaquemarts on the dial of its wristwatch minute repeaters.

Intensifying the elaborate detail of the dial is the enamel champlevé technique, a lost decorative art that is mastered by less than a handful of craftsman; today, only leading watchmakers such as Ulysse Nardin produce pieces showcasing enamel champlevé. In this very special creation, the enamel champlevé is further refined by hand chiseling and ornamented with engravings. The result is a stunning work of art that will be available to only a select few.

The Carnival of Venice Minute Repeater is a limited-edition mechanical timepiece of eighteen made in platinum, with the possibility of an 18-karat rose gold option. It is an exceptional example of the skill of the hand and the dedication of the mind to the enduring and evolving skill of watchmaking. 


Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin
Limited Edition to  18 Pieces


Reference 719-63



Movement               Caliber UN-71

Power-Reserve        Approx. 48 h
   
Winding                  Manual winding

Functions                Jaquemarts Minute Repeater Chiming hours, 
                               quarters and minutes Two different chimes
    
Case                       Platinum

Diameter                42 mm
   
Water-resistance    30 m
  
Dial                       Champlevé Enamel
   
Crystal                  Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
   
Case-back            Anti-reflective sapphire crystal fixed with screws
    
Crown                  Water-resistant

Band                     Leather strap, with folding buckle

   

www.ulysse-nardin.com   

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