Ulysse Nardin

You know my indefectible love for the Sonata, a watch which was unveiled in 2003, and which I had the pleasure to get in July 2004.

The " First " Sonata:



So, you can imagine how impatient I was to see it in the flesh, when our Dear Marcus announced us that, this year, there will be a totally new Sonata, a revolution rather than an evolution.

We learned that the revolution was not really mechanical, as the former Sonata received some evolutions.

Indeed, the first generation had a solid case back, then a see through case back, to end with the Silicium escapement.

The movement is basically the same than the Silicium version.

The Cal U.N 67:



But the cosmetic radically changed.

Now, the case is 2 mm bigger ( 44 mm instead of the previous 42 mm ) totally differently shaped, too.

More technical, should I say " agressive ", with larger and outlined embossed lugs, this case has a lot of character.



The use of titanium enhances the personality of the watch.

Now, you have the choice between two versions: Titanium case / Gold bezel, or Titanium case / Ceramic bezel.

Having quickly seen the two versions in pictures, I have to say that the only one which I found intriguing was the Titanium case / Ceramic bezel.

I was not impressed at all by the gold bezel, which I find somehow ambiguous.



The gold bezel gives a touch of dressy elegance which, in my opinion, sounds weird, on the new Sonata, while it goes very well on the former model.

The 2 crowns ( one to wind the movement, to set the home time and the alarm time ) and the 2 dual time pushers are in gold and they match with some of the details and parts of the dial, as well as they bring some life to a watch which would, without them, be very dark. Surprising, but not shoking.

The dial is another part of the new Sonata which substantially changes, too.

Hera again, I prefer the Ti / Ceramic version, which I find less busy and mre balanced that the Ti / Rose Gold one, mainly because of the date, which is not designed in the same way, on these 2 " Streamline ".

Here is the Ti Rose Gold, with the aperture in the date zone:



And now, the Ti / Ceramic Streamline:



You will also notice that the hands are not treated in the same color, depending on the versions, as well as the dial, which offers two different personalities to these new Sonatas.

The backside is not disorienting for a Sonata lover:



So, what to think about the Sonata Mainstream?

The Titanium / Ceramic version is, as you already understood it, my favourite, compared to the Titanium / Rose Gold.

But, compared to the original, what to think?

They are so different!

The original had this undisputable touch of romantism and poetry the new one has lost, in my opinion.

The latest Sonata is much more macho, dynamic, though:



Totally enchanted when I saw the first pictures of the Sonata when it was unveiled, in 2003, I was rather disoriented, not to say disappointed when the Streamline was announced and the visuals popped out.

But, as often pictures are pictures, and cannot beat the " in the real experience ".

In the real, the new Streamline is still surprising, but it is much less disenchanting.

Would I trade mine for it? Honestly, I would not.

BUT I guess that for those who didn't know the previous Sonata, or who didn't onn it, yet, they will be more enthusiast about it.

This is the issue when you are used to a certain aesthetics of a watch, and when it changes.

I didn't notice a big difference with the Cathedral, for example, while i heard more differences between the Cathedral and the solid case back model.

The sound is a bit higher, less low, less round, a bit more agressive than with the solid case back, I found.

Therefore you also have the impact of the titanium case, which " transmits " the sound in a higher way than an all gold watch.

Nothing very significative, though, at least for my ears.

I didn't notice a big difference in the size of the case, despite the 2 extra millimeters. More presence on the wirst, certainly, but not shocking.

THE huge difference is the feeling of the " Streamline " once on the wrist.

The titanium case is, naturally, much lighter than any gold case, and if you keep in mind that the sonata is a big and thick watch, you can understand how important it is, in terms of weight.

If you are used to the previous Sonata, you will be surprised!

The comfort of the Streamline is much better, I have to say. you almost don't feel it on your wrist.

As I said, I will not trade my Sonata for the Streamline, BUT I was positively impressed by it, in the real, and in a perfect world, I would even imagine doubling the pleasure.

One issue, on all the Sonatas, by the way, is the power reserve, which I find a bit short, with 42 hours only.

Let it aside for a week end, and you will have to reset and rewind it...

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas.

PS: I would thank Mrs Susanne Hurni for her disponibility, despite the crowd at the Salon and in the booth.

PS 2: Some of the pictures posted here are coming from the press files. U.N has to be credited for them. This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-12-09 01:18:57 This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-12-15 23:04:38

If I'm still impressed by the great horological contents of the watch, I'm less seduced by the bulky case and the strange dial. This dial looks like a face and I always have the feeling that the watch is looking at me.

I prefer the more elegant originality of the previous Sonata: with exactly the same lay-out, the dial is more refined IMHO.

Thanks for your presentation.

Fx

Aestheically, it was not warmly welcomed by everybody.

It was not, and even less with the current one, an " everydoy's watch ".

I still think it belongs to this category of watches which need time to be appreciated... Or not.

Best,

Nicolas

I find the rose gold too cluttered,too many different fonts,just a bit messy.

The Ti with Ceramic is in MY EYES(as it seems to have its own) the nicer and definitely more wearable version - that's the easy part, imo.

I have never owned a Sonata, but I did own the similiar cased plat perpetual 42 GMT.  I found that watch to be a little tall and perhaps not as comfortable.

Maybe incresing the case of the Sonata to 44mm makes this watch a tad more balanced, and the pushers seem like they may be a bit more comfortable on the wrist?

While the color combination of the Titanium is nice, it does not compare to the industry's best coloring - like the one's used in previous grey, blue, silver Sonata versions... which are truly beautiful.

The new Sonata is a radical design for sure. I find the watch attractive and unique looking, but I'm afraid it's not going to pass the test of time(not literally)...Just like buildings or cars from the seventies which were kind of boxy and do nothing for me today - You can't beat round cases, just like round cars, they all seem to age better. 

Having said that, I would love to own this watch for it's mechanical marvel and uniqueness. But it may not make the cut...

I still praise UN for giving us bold designs and taking watches to new heights - My Toro and Freak are still 2 of my favorite watches.  And their sevice has always been top notch.

As always, thanks for the great post Nicolas. 

This message has been edited by palmasea on 2012-12-09 13:50:34

I owned both the Sonata and the Platinum QP GMT... They were too close, and sold the QP GMT.

I have the intuition that I will get much less tired of the first Sonata than of the new one, too.

But there are many intresting elements, on the new one, such a the comfort of wear, which is much better on the latest Sonata.

They play, if I may say, different partitions. One, the latst, is much more agressive, while the former was more romantic, less " technical ".

Interesting.

One thing is sure, I am not able to love the Ti / Gold version...

While I have some appreciation for the Ti / Ceramic.

It will be a strong conversation piece, I feel!

Best,

Nicolas

Like you, I won't trade mine for this one. But will I add another Sonata in my collection?



Best,

Nicolas

I was lucky enough to have a chance to play with one again last week after being a little underwelmed by it on previous occasions.  I must say it had the ceramic bezel and I really liked the combo, the gold is very in your face.

I prefer on the new one. I mean, the Ti / Ceramic version, as the Ti / Gold is not my taste at all...

One thing is sure, the new Sonata doesn't let indifferent, and that is cool!

Let us know which one you will choose, Andrew!

Best,

Nicolas.

I think we were in agreement from the original photos of this new watch presented months ago.  But I am happy that after handling the piece, you feel more positive towards it, at least the ceramic / titanium version.

I have learned first hand that a piece needs to be examined in person to really appreciate it.  In three dimension on the wrist it is always different than a photo.

There remains a lot going on with these new Sonatas.  It does plug into the newer, bolder UN design approach of the past few years within their collections.  I appreciate their efforts to try new designs (UN has never been a brand to sit on a model for too long).

But in the end, it the new design comes up well short of the old one.  Perhaps that is not a fair comment; maybe it is better to say that the old design appeals much more to me than the new one.

I thank you for the review Nicolas.  And I will continue to dream of a Sonata Silicium for myself, one day.

And owning one will certainly provide you an intense pleasure.

Now, which version ( former or current, Ti / Ceramic or Ti / Gold) is a matter of taste.

Some will love the current one, other won't, not everybody will agree, which is, in my opinion, a good thing.

After all, isn't that in the UN DNA?

Remeber when the Freak was introduced at the beginning of this century?

What did we hear!!!!

Like you, I prefer the former version, but I find that the new one doesn't lack interest.

Best, and thanks for your interesting input, Michael!

Nicolas

I don't change my mind, the older version was imho more surprising that this this new one, finally mainstream regarding other novelties and it doesn't speak to me that much, but I understand UN producing this new version.

What I do not get is why there is touch of gold on the ceramic version? It would have been interesting to have a version without a two tone, especially for this sporty look.

My 2 cents

Francois

Creating a new concept is always more surprising that the evolution of the concept, in my opinion.

The gold touches may bring life to this dark version, it may be appreciated or not, indeed. Like you, I would love to see UN using another material than gold, even in small touches. Just to judge the outcome.

Maybe U.N tried rubber, or another material and maybe they have it in the " making off " documents?

Best, and thanks for sharing your opinion, Cisco.

Nicolas

There is no watch which can be compared to the old sonata, only the Winston Z6 technically, but from the style and what it gives on the wrist, it is really special and one of a kind.

For a streamline "No gold" version maybe in the future. I think it will pretty fit this modern watch. Wait and see.

cheers

Francois

I don't think my wrist or lifestyle could pull it off, but as an object, I prefer it to the original, and find it rather dazzling. Agree on Ti, ceramic!

Believe me, you will be surprised!

Best,

Nicolas

I like the lugs and the use of titanium for the larger case (and very interested in your comments on sound quality and transmission). I prefer the colour pallete of the Ti/ceramic but dislike those subdials (prefering the round version of the Ti/gold). The new hands of the countdown and alarm settings look much easier to read than the original watch. I think the cut away date on the Ti/gold version is quite an interesting design ... but ... not on this particular watch as it clutters up the dial too much; hopefully we will see it on another UN.

So overall I prefer the original Sonata firmly on your wrist, Nicolas!

Thanks for the great comparison.

Andrew

The case, in my opinion, is much better in the real than on pictures.

The dial of the new Streamline Ti / Ceramic also...

My biggest reserve is the shape of the hands... Much less sensual than the previous ones.

But I guess this new Sonata has to be considered as a whole...

Best and thanks for your input, Andrew.

Nicolas

the only thing I would add is to note that both of these watches are substantially cheaper than the Sonata Silicium. Something which also should be considered in their review. 

I would not part with my Sonata Silicium version for either of these.

I think this new Sonata is more for the people who like the new design of UN watches.

Though, there are some elements of design which are very cool at the side and the shape of the lugs, of the Streamline.

I think we need a bit more of time to be able to fully appreciate it.

Best, and thanks for your input.

Nicolas

 

I love the ideal of  Ti as the case. With ceramic? Why Not.

On the wrist...

Best,

Nicolas

Of course trying it in metal is the true test.

I wish to be pleasantly surprise.

PS You got mail

Regard
Tyler

I would have brought mine to let you play with it!

I will answer you tomorrow, I didn't even open my mail box today!

Best, my friend.

Nico

No message body

You know Nicolas what was my feeling about this watch already.

It's not a question of "is it so different that we will need some time to like it". It's a style that is comparable, from my own eyes, to big shunky watches that are litterally spreading on the market nowadays: big, no elegance at all, bad ceramic bezel look and not well matching with the case (imho still). It's like what became the ROO today.

Furthermore, I don't like the bi-color YG or RG and steel/Pt/WG combination but this is a question of market and is not an objective issue at all.

Technically speaking, it's still a great caliber (being able to move everything in every direction without mechanical damage is yet a smashing detail).

Thus for me it's not an evolution.

But still, everyone has its own taste and I respect that.

Cheers,

Mark

about chunky (I guess you meant chunky and not shunky) watches which seem to be spreading on the market nowadays and your allusion to the ROO! Good call! Like you, I do not like the bi-colour version although the Ti/ceramic version has that "gold" presence which disturbs me. I would have preferred an all "white/black" version. The caliber in my opinion is fantastic for exactly the reasons you mention and the dial of the Ti/ceramic version is, in my opinion, much, very much nicer.

it seems to be the trend in some collection, not for us