Ulysse Nardin

Marcus Hanke
[PuristSPro Moderator]
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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