Comments:
I almost buy it 4 months ago. I had the opportunity to get a great deal with my local AD, he offer me the Sonata Carhedral white gold. But when he tested the alarm in front of me in the store I got disappointed. Maybe because I was used to the my Memovox. Don't know, maybe it wasn't fair to the watch to do it in the store. Once in a while, I think about it. Maybe the streamline is a little but better in that regard.
But I honestly think I would probably buy el toro before buying the sonata. Who knows? Once you have the watch in front of you al reason gets foggy ....
Very difficult choice between those two...
But given how much earlier the Freak was launched and how revolutionary it was, I choose it. It embodies the essence of Ulysse Nardin in every way. The Sonata is perhaps the finest alarm watch in the world, and hopefully my next UN, but for your question it is hard to argue against the Freak.
Both!!!!!!
And I won't rest till I ll have them both, UN at its best, 2 references, one more groundbreaking and unique, the other so sophisticated and charming.....
Mo
I wondered for a long time, and decided to get both.
But, as I am a good Vlad, I should also say that a Quintessential U.N could also be the Perpetual Calendar GMT, The Hour Striker, and a Marine Chronometer ( 160 / 118, and so on ).
Aaah, an astronomical watch, too...
But well, the Freak and the sonata, or the Sonata and the Freak, as you want, are good, excellent choices.
You will have a lot of pleasure with each or both of them.
Best, my dear Ronald!
Nicolas
What about the Marine Chronometer?
A bit less flashy and a wonderful and balanced watch.
It's also carries the "undead seal of approval", by Nicolas.
On the humble side there is the dual time, the perfect travel watch, IMHO.
Cheers,
Nilo
It's also carries the "undead seal of approval", by Nicolas.
On the humble side there is the dual time, the perfect travel watch, IMHO.
Cheers,
Nilo
I am going to throw a vote in for
the new marine chronometer with the UN 118 in house caliber.
I think the choice is too narrow ...
... since UN is more than just the Freak and the Sonata.
If you consider the brand's impact in the history of horology, then the astronomical Trilogy of Time have to be mentioned. No serious and concise book on contemporary watchmaking can bypass these, without at least mentioning them, or showing pictures of at least one of the pieces. Whenever a list of complications is printed, it includes astronomical watches, and then the three are there.
Then there is the Marine Chronometer. It was UN successfully transferring the classic design onto a wristwatch. All others following, (GO, Wempe, etc.) more or less copied the recipe.
The Dual Time GMT, since it perfectly represents the practical aspect and high useability, which was always in the center of UN's philosophy.
Then there is the art of automatons that was revived by UN, long before other brands jumped the wagon.
Finally, the Freak. Personally, I think the Freak is a milestone that will be forever young, simply because it was designed from the outset to be the testbed for new technologies. Consequently, the current Freak at a time will always be the epitome of modern watchmaking, clothed into a distinctive shape.
As much as I love the Sonata, I fear it will not take the same place. Esprecially in its current shape, it is too much a tribute to modern design fashion rather than being unique. the typical Sonata hands, disputed at first, created an identity that is lost in the most current version. Either UN returns to the "old virtue" of the Sonata, or they take it out from production (just my thoughts, I have no information on this issue whatever!).
Regards,
Marcus
This message has been edited by Marcus Hanke on 2013-05-19 15:15:53
If you consider the brand's impact in the history of horology, then the astronomical Trilogy of Time have to be mentioned. No serious and concise book on contemporary watchmaking can bypass these, without at least mentioning them, or showing pictures of at least one of the pieces. Whenever a list of complications is printed, it includes astronomical watches, and then the three are there.
Then there is the Marine Chronometer. It was UN successfully transferring the classic design onto a wristwatch. All others following, (GO, Wempe, etc.) more or less copied the recipe.
The Dual Time GMT, since it perfectly represents the practical aspect and high useability, which was always in the center of UN's philosophy.
Then there is the art of automatons that was revived by UN, long before other brands jumped the wagon.
Finally, the Freak. Personally, I think the Freak is a milestone that will be forever young, simply because it was designed from the outset to be the testbed for new technologies. Consequently, the current Freak at a time will always be the epitome of modern watchmaking, clothed into a distinctive shape.
As much as I love the Sonata, I fear it will not take the same place. Esprecially in its current shape, it is too much a tribute to modern design fashion rather than being unique. the typical Sonata hands, disputed at first, created an identity that is lost in the most current version. Either UN returns to the "old virtue" of the Sonata, or they take it out from production (just my thoughts, I have no information on this issue whatever!).
Regards,
Marcus
This message has been edited by Marcus Hanke on 2013-05-19 15:15:53
My personal favorite is
El Toro. For me the question is Freak vs El Toro. I like the toro for the innovative perpetual calendar, you can't mess that one up. The majority of perpetual calendars are so delicate, this one is made for daily wear with WR.
functionally wise is awesome! The freak is "the freak" meaning has the Carrousel complication, with a unique look.
I like the Sonata, with the beautiful sound of the gongs, but not loud enough to my ears. I think JLC still has the best performing alarm in the market, maybe not as beautiful as the gong sounds but more functional.
Just my 0.02 cts
I can't disagree with you on the UN Perpetual Calendars...
Their " friendliness " is just awesome.
As for the Sonata, I have to defend it, as I am extreme lover of this Watch. 
The alarm is not made to Wake you up, even if I use on that purpose, but to deliciously, in an extremly elegant way, remind you some important moments of your day.
And, also, to travel wwith it!
A Watch conceived by some Genius of horology...
Best,
Nicolas
Well, I don't have anything against the sonata Actually
I almost buy it 4 months ago. I had the opportunity to get a great deal with my local AD, he offer me the Sonata Carhedral white gold. But when he tested the alarm in front of me in the store I got disappointed. Maybe because I was used to the my Memovox. Don't know, maybe it wasn't fair to the watch to do it in the store. Once in a while, I think about it. Maybe the streamline is a little but better in that regard.
But I honestly think I would probably buy el toro before buying the sonata. Who knows? Once you have the watch in front of you al reason gets foggy ....
I think you cannot expect an alarm built like a minute repeater to sound as strong as a
Classic Alarm.
And the sonata' alarm is built like a minute repeater.
I really like you last sentence. It sounds so true, and so familiar!
Best,
Nicolas
This message has been edited by amanico on 2013-07-30 22:35:30Yes I know, but yes that last sentence is so true
For my 41th birthday last January, I was so convince that I needed a Calatrava, so I went to the AD decided that I was going to buy 5123R, while there I change my mind and went out of the store with my 5712 on my wrist. Go figure...
It's get foggy... I know
Do we have to choose...
They are both stunning pieces and show the wonderful work coming out of UN... I am rather favored towards the Freak but I still have my eye out for a Sonata as well...
Cheers
Andrew
Cheers
Andrew