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Diving into the Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon
It was, therefore, that one of the first watches to come out of Ulysse Nardin’s rebirth was one which continues to inspire three decades on. This was, of course, the Astrolabium Galileo Galilei, unveiled in 1985, that among its many other functions, was able to convey complications such as equinoctial time and the aspect of the sun and the moon in relation to each other. There was really no denying the genius of the Astrolabium Galileo Galilei, so much so that in the same year, it was entered into the Guinness Book of Records.
However, where it was the Trilogy of Time that appropriately cemented Ulysse Nardin’s revival, it was the Freak that ushered the brand into the 21st century — quite literally — when it was announced in 2001. The Freak didn’t just signal a coming of age, but a sense of unprecedented foresight.
While those were the efforts that brought the name, Ulysse Nardin back, today the same underlying attitude can be seen in the good work that is continued on by the people at the brand’s manufacture at Le Locle and the timepieces they create, as is showcased in watches such as the Executive Skeleton Tourbillon.
As it is a standard for Ulysse Nardin now, the UN-171’s regulating organ — specifically its escapement wheel and balance spring — are made of silicium. This isn’t, however, just your average regulating organ at the end of a going train, rather as mentioned in its name, the Executive Skeleton Tourbillon bears a flying tourbillon.
Although, regardless of how impressive a technical feat or just how arresting the watch is — aesthetically speaking — what the Executive Skeleton Tourbillon best exemplifies is the underlying mindset at Ulysse Nardin; the same one that has been there since the manufacture was revived, back in 1983.
Technical Specifications: Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon
Movement
Caliber UN-171 Manufacture manual-winding movement; hours and minutes; flying tourbillon; 170-hour power reserve
Case
45mm; titanium case with ceramic bezel; water-resistant to 30m
Strap
Blue leather strap with carbon structure and titanium folding clasp
Price
CHF 38,000