BASELNEWS 2011Ulysse Nardin Conquers the World of Watchmaking
Alexander the Great. World Conqueror. Ambitious Leader. Mighty King. The unconquerable hero of Greek history and symbol of strength inspires Ulysse Nardin's Alexander the Great: Westminster Carillon Tourbillon Jaquemarts Minute Repeater, an exceptional timepiece that showcases the mastery of Ulysse Nardin watchmakers.
The Movement.
Its mechanics are housed in a 44 mm case of 18-karat white gold or rose gold 4N, and are water-resistant to 30 meters. The visible one-minute tourbillon is integrated into the dial, its bridge created in the same shape as those used on the tourbillons James Pellaton produced for Ulysse Nardin at the beginning of the 20th century. The superbly finished basic movement features 36 jewels with a diameter of 27.60 and a height of 8.50 mm. Each part of the movement is decorated, angled and hand-finished.
Fighting Jaquemarts.
Ulysse Nardin remains among the rare manufacturers in the world to use Jaquemarts on the dial of its wristwatch repeaters. With this timepiece, Jaquemarts on the dial depict Alexander the Great clad in armor and engaged in battle. There are five hand-crafted figures in all, prominent in appearance against the deep, charcoal-colored background of the man made diamond dial. Other than the warrior in a static position on the far left, armed and ready for an attack, the Jaquemarts move in sync with the sound of gongs on the minutes, quarters and hours, or to a combination of these units of time.
The Minute Repeater.
Patented by English clockmaker Daniel Quare in the late 17th century, minute repeaters are a connoisseur's treasure, with the watches' ability to have time not only seen, but heard. Ulysse Nardin was one of the earliest manufacturers to fuel the rebirth of the minute repeater, making its creations finite and superb, its sound quality sublime – reflective of a truly massive investment in human endeavor. The Westminster has four gongs, each with a different tone (Mi-Do-Re-Sol). As well, all movement parts are decorated, angled and finished by hand.
Polycrystalline Diamond Dial.
The development and use of man made diamond signifies years of research, investments and revolutions in watchmaking by Ulysse Nardin. This decorative diamond is the culmination of millions of small, faceted diamond crystals engineered to grow together to form a continuous diamond layer. The result: an authentic, highly resilient, two-dimensional diamond surface that sparkles with intensity, exhibiting various colors depending on its purity.
Alexander the Great Westminster Carillon Tourbillon Jaquemarts Minute Repeater by Ulysse Nardin is a timepiece that tells many stories; one about a historical legend and an explorer whose bravery was fearless, and another about an uncompromising watch brand whose constant quest for inventiveness and beauty continually leads to revolutionary innovations. As Alexander the Great made history, Ulysse Nardin’s Alexander the Great Westminster Carillon Tourbillon Jaquemarts Minute Repeater is history in the making.
One hundred of these very special, limited-edition timepieces are available worldwide.
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