2013/01/31

Ulysse Nardin the Carnival of Venice Minute Repeater

 

Ulysse Nardin finds inspiration in one of the world’s most romantic cities for the new, limited-edition Minute Repeater Carnival of Venice, a creation of stunning artistic illustration and brilliant engineering. And, it’s not the first time this magical place has been the setting for a Ulysse Nardin timepiece’s tale.

In the late 1980s, Ulysse Nardin introduced San Marco, a watch that symbolized the rebirth of the minute repeater, a complication that allows time to not only be seen, but also heard in sublime quality. A repeater is as much a musical instrument as it is a timekeeper. Renowned for its many “firsts” in watchmaking, Ulysse Nardin introduced a surprising variation to this late 17th century invention – the “Jaquemart”.

Jaquemarts are beautifully animated figures set into the dial and move in sync with the activated minute repeater, contributing to the storyline of the timepiece.
Its dial, the heart of the timepiece, depicts two figures in front of the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal. Both Jaquemarts are wearing masks, alluding to the Carnival of Venice. The feeling of festivity is set. With the minute repeater’s chiming of the hours, quarters and minutes, the Jaquemarts lift their masks. To this day, Ulysse Nardin remains among the rare manufacturers in the world to use Jaquemarts on the dial of its wristwatch minute repeaters.

Intensifying the elaborate detail of the dial is the enamel champlevé technique, a lost decorative art that is mastered by less than a handful of craftsman; today, only leading watchmakers such as Ulysse Nardin produce pieces showcasing enamel champlevé. In this very special creation, the enamel champlevé is further refined by hand chiseling and ornamented with engravings. The result is a stunning work of art that will be available to only a select few.

The Carnival of Venice Minute Repeater is a limited-edition mechanical timepiece of eighteen made in platinum, with the possibility of an 18-karat rose gold option. It is an exceptional example of the skill of the hand and the dedication of the mind to the enduring and evolving skill of watchmaking.

 

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Specifications (Click to slide)

Ref. : 719-63
Limited Edition to 18 pieces

  • Movement : Caliber UN-71
  • Power-Reserve : Approx. 48 h
  • Winding : Manual winding
  • Functions :
    • Jaquemarts Minute Repeater
    • Chiming hours, quarters and minutes
    • Two different chimes
  • Case : Platinum
  • Diameter : 42 mm
  • Water-resistance : 30 m
  • Dial : Champlevé Enamel
  • Crystal : Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
  • Case-back : Anti-reflective sapphire crystal fixed with screws
  • Band : Leather strap, with folding buckle

 

 

 

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