Comments:
.. Also I am captivated by the combo of the inbuilt complications !
Practically, all of those are present, except the PC ( which is rarely " needed", anyway);
Can really understand your deep faible for this timepiece..
Thx for this share, these pics are awesome, really - each & every detail
pictured so well.
Thus, Happy Anniversary to you & your UN Sonata
Best, hs
Ulysse Nardin Sonata 10th birthday.
There are few watches which, in my collection, have this importance.
A sentimental and horological importance, I mean.
Sentimental, because the Sonata is one of my first original " high end " piece which lived many important events of my Professional and private life, on my wrist.
Sentimental because I travelled a lot with it, for Professional reasons, but also for the pleasure.
Sentimental because it became a kind of fetish Watch, for me.
Sentimental because it is well known that it was one of Rolf Schnyder's favourite Watch, and I always admired Rolf vision and talent when he was at the helm of the brand.
Horological , because I am a fan of Alarm watches, and the Sonata is certainly THE Queen of all Alarm watches.
Indeed, this was the first wristwatch to offer an alarm which can be set on 24 hours, with an alarm countdown, a big date you can change forward and backward, and... a GMT, this summing what can be an ideal travel watch, in my opinion.
Horological, because the alarm sounds like a minute repeater, in the same elegant and sophisticated way, and, while most of the alarms sound between 15 and 20 seconds, the Sonata plays this melody for one minute!
Horological, in a more subjective way, because of the design of its case, dial and hands: Young, fresh, original, blending character and elegance.
To try to sum my feelings on this watch, I would say that I was attracted in the magic world of Ulysse Nardin with the Astronomical watches, the Perpetual Calendar, the Chronograph Monopusher and, of course the Freak, this last one having been, for me, a Grail for many years before I could get mine, but the Sonata drove my love for the brand in another dimension: With it, I started to dream of travels, romantic moments, a kind of elegant life style.
With the Sonata, it was love at first sight, when I saw the press file pictures in 2003, a feeling which was a pure confirmation when I had the chance to try it at my AD, a certain 23rd of July 2004.
But you already know that...
Ok, I had several problems with it, always the same, by the way, with the alarm which didn't work when you prorgammed it, but Ulysse Nardin alway gave me an impeccable service and treatment, I must say.
For the rest, it is pleasure, only pleasure.
So, no Wonder why the Sonata is one of the watches I most often wear, in any circumstances, elegant, dressy, or casual, everywhere...
Here are some pictures to celebrate this milestone, its 10th birthday.
At the Meurice:
At Tea Time:
On Charms, during Epiphany,
Toys for boys and travels:
As we are on pictures related to trips, what about those?
The " 2 cents " picture, to end with a touch of humour...
An endless love story...
Best,
Nicolas
Happy 10th Birthday to your Sonata !!
Never knew that it had so many useful functions.
Regarding your statement about what you like about UN: "attracted in the magic world of Ulysse Nardin with the Astronomical watches, the Perpetual Calendar, the Chronograph Monopusher and, of course the Freak...:
What about magical world of UN's enamel dials??
Cheers,
Gordon
Of course. The only thing is that you find enamel dials in several brands.
It is not UN privilege... While there is no true competitor to the Sonata,, Freak and so on...
Which doesn't mean that UN enamel watches are lacking interest...
Now that I am thinking about it, why not trying to get an enamel + a minute repeater in the same Watch?
All the best, my good friend!
Nicolas
Your passion and loyalty for this one are unquestioned.
I admire your love for this special watch Nicolas. Not just a "keeper" this time, but an integral part of your life and experiences.
Bravo, my Friend.
Yes, a big part of my life. Many good moments shared together.
Many moments of " ravissement ".
Thank you, my friend.
Best,
Nicolas
Happy creative day to you and one of my favorite watches as well.
Your description is spot on, as usual.
I remember seeing it first presented by Rolf and Patrick. I was struck then and was fortunate to get the same model as the one favored by Rolf. I was also fortunate to go for the the Sonata 2 as it was worlds better then the original piece.
It is still, in my opinion, the best, most serviceable, reliable, attractive alarm watch on the market. Ever. And, it can and does wake me up when needed!
The musicality, btw, as you know, rests in the fact that it has the same gong ring as does the repeaters.
well done my friend,
Mitch
I remember seeing it first presented by Rolf and Patrick. I was struck then and was fortunate to get the same model as the one favored by Rolf. I was also fortunate to go for the the Sonata 2 as it was worlds better then the original piece.
It is still, in my opinion, the best, most serviceable, reliable, attractive alarm watch on the market. Ever. And, it can and does wake me up when needed!
The musicality, btw, as you know, rests in the fact that it has the same gong ring as does the repeaters.
well done my friend,
Mitch
Hello Mitch!
I deeply think that the Sonata is the kind of Watch you can fully understand and enjoy only if you live with it.
One of the few watches which made me shiver...Pure horological happyness.
We should do a Sonata Roll Call!
All the very best, my friend.
Nicolas
I'm game. Just have to get off my derriere and get out the camera. [nt]
No message body
Happy anniversary!
What else to add,one of those watches that really made a part of history.
Mo
Its virtues are endless(back and forth for the BIG DATE and COUNTDOWN,24 HOURS alarm setting,GMT,quick setting of the HOUR HAND when landing on different places.....etc etc...)
A little mechanical smart phone with the charm of a beautiful lady....
Happy Anniversary......I am only on my 2nd....but endless......
Great pictures Nico...
Mine says Hi......
Mo
We should create a Sonata Fan Club, my friend. ;)
Thanks for your kind words on this important Watch.
I loved your comparison with the cell phone. Very à propos.
All the best,
Nicolas
Any resistance is futile, Michael. you know that. Go, my friend, go! [nt]
No message body
I do know. And you starting a SFC only adds more pressure!
I dream frequently on a complicated UN. The Freak Cruiser is atop my list of two. The Sonata is second, but it could also be much more affordable. I would hope to own one of each in the future.
I am more convinced all the time about the original style Sonatas. They possess a sensuality to pair with the alarm function that I don't find with the Streamline variants.
A belated happy 10th anniversary for your watch. I tbought about...
Getting one after I saw it at a UN dinner. I think the dial appearance was the deal breaker.
The dial and hands may please, or not, indeed.
It cannot be a consensual Watch. It has a too strong personality, for that.
Best, Ronald!
Nicolas
An Ode to a Beloved Sonata.. As well, I'm always mesmerized by this amazing juwel !.. :))
.. Also I am captivated by the combo of the inbuilt complications !
Practically, all of those are present, except the PC ( which is rarely " needed", anyway);
Can really understand your deep faible for this timepiece..
Thx for this share, these pics are awesome, really - each & every detail
pictured so well.
Thus, Happy Anniversary to you & your UN Sonata
Best, hs
That is an important watch for me, indeed. Love its originality and " friendlyness ". [nt]
No message body
Beautiful write up and beautiful watch Nicolas.
I've only recently learned about the Sonata, but I think it may end up one of my grails, for all the reasons you so eloquently presented.
Like you, I feel that a GMT with alarm is the ideal travel watch.
I haven't seen the sonata in real life yet, but I've watched youtube videos to hear the alarm, and I agree it sounds like a repeater.
For now, it's only a dream, but as Fizgerald said in the Great Gatsby "tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther....And one fine morning..."
I wore it most of the week,everyday. Can't get rid of it.
I love your last sentence a lot. Try to see one in the flesh!
All the best,
Nicolas
You shiukd read great gatsby in English if you haven't already!
I would love to see the sonata, and maybe even more, love to hear it! All the best!
I fear my English is not that good for that.
But I am pretty sure your taste will drive you to fall in love with the magnificient Sonata!
If you ever come by Paris....
All the best!
Nicolas
Trust me! Someone who writes in English as well as you, and who
reads the posts as much as i'm sure you do will have no problem with that novel.
Reading is much easier than listening or writing.
Next time I'm in Paris I will take you up on seeing and hearing the sonata my friend!
;) Thank for your kind words. And about the Sonata, we have a deal! [nt]
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