Ulysse Nardin North Sea Minute Repeater Limited Edition

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During SIHH 2017 haute horlogerie exhibition, Ulysse Nardin has presented the NORTH SEA, a striking new champlevé minute repeater.

Finely crafted in gold and champlevé enamel, this timepiece is an incredibly realistic depiction of the mighty off-shore drilling rigs that dig deep for the world’s precious “black gold”. The glimmering champlevé rig, seen from a low angle, rises majestically from the black sea, with its delicately wrought waves in the foreground. A dramatic red sky highlights the stunningly detailed structure, while in the background, another golden rig works industriously away.

Three 18-Karat gold cranes – the Jaquemarts – move and sound when the minute repeater is activated indicating the hours, quarter hours and minutes. Known for its crystalline chimes as well as for its impressive mechanical timekeeping, the minute-repeater complication is highly respected in the horological industry and by connoisseurs as one of the most difficult to achieve.

The champlevé enamel technique is a genuine rarity and this one is a fine example of this ancient art.  Minimal black indexes, and streamlined hour and minute hands allow the final results – the powerful champlevé rigs – to take center stage on the rose-gold dial.

Technical details
Reference 736-61/E2-OIL
Limited Edition of 18 pieces

Movement
Caliber UN-73
Power-Reserve: Approximately 36 hours
Winding: Manual winding

Functions
Minute repeater
Chiming hours, quarters and minutes
Automatic chime activation system
Animated Jaquemarts

Case
18ct rose gold
Diameter: 42 mm
Water-resistance: 30 m
Crystal: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Case –back: Sapphire crystal fixed with screws

Dial
Champlevé enamel with three Jaquemarts in 18-carat gold

Band
Leather strap, with folding buckle