Baselworld 2015: Ulysse Nardin Ulysse Anchor Tourbilon. The new Ulysse Anchor Tourbillon from Ulysse Nardin is a remarkable watch as it introduces a constant force escapement with a design that breaks completely with the traditional watchmaking approach. The Ulysse Nardin Ulysse Anchor Tourbillon is available from this month in white gold (ref. 1780-133) at Swiss Francs 84,000 or in rose gold (ref. 1786-133) at Swiss Francs 88,400. Both versions are limited editions of 18 pieces each.
The new Ulysse Anchor Tourbillon from Ulysse Nardin is a remarkable watch as it introduces a constant force escapement with a design that breaks completely with the traditional watchmaking approach.
Made entirely of silicium, the Ulysse Anchor escapement is the result of eight years of research and development and it is based on the principle of flexible mechanisms exploiting the elasticity of flat springs.
This new escapement features a circular frame with a pallet fork fixed in the centre, supported in space on two blade springs less than a tenth of the thickness of a hair in diameter. Mounted perpendicular to each other, they are subjected to a bending force that curves them and maintains them in a bi-stable state. While they can bend along the left-right axis, they remain perfectly rigid along the up-down axis, thus reproducing the kinetic functions of a pivot.
The impulse that issues from each alternation of the balance wheel transmits its energy to the blades, which snap from one stable state to the other, just like a snap hair-clip. This way, the pallet fork moves entirely without friction because it is no longer constrained by a pivoting staff.
But the lack of frictional forces is not the only benefit. Thanks to the geometrical improvements made to the pallet fork, the interplay of forces determines a positive energy balance which maintains the oscillations of the balance wheel at a constant rate.
This innovative mechanical solution is housed in a 60-seconds tourbillon, whose cage comprises 35 components but weighs only 0.4 grams.
Visible through a large opening in the dial at 6 o'clock, it is encircled by the indication of the 8-day power reserve on a 140° arc.
The hand wound Calibre UN-178 manufacture movement beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour and can deliver such an exceptional power reserve thanks to its double barrel.
The Ulysse Anchor Tourbillon by Ulysse Nardin is available from this month in white gold (ref. 1780-133) at the price of Swiss Francs 88,400 or in rose gold (ref. 1786-133) at Swiss Francs 84,000. Both versions are limited editions of 18 pieces each. ulysse-nardin.com
Made entirely of silicium, the Ulysse Anchor escapement is the result of eight years of research and development and it is based on the principle of flexible mechanisms exploiting the elasticity of flat springs.
This new escapement features a circular frame with a pallet fork fixed in the centre, supported in space on two blade springs less than a tenth of the thickness of a hair in diameter. Mounted perpendicular to each other, they are subjected to a bending force that curves them and maintains them in a bi-stable state. While they can bend along the left-right axis, they remain perfectly rigid along the up-down axis, thus reproducing the kinetic functions of a pivot.
But the lack of frictional forces is not the only benefit. Thanks to the geometrical improvements made to the pallet fork, the interplay of forces determines a positive energy balance which maintains the oscillations of the balance wheel at a constant rate.
This innovative mechanical solution is housed in a 60-seconds tourbillon, whose cage comprises 35 components but weighs only 0.4 grams.
Visible through a large opening in the dial at 6 o'clock, it is encircled by the indication of the 8-day power reserve on a 140° arc.
The white Grand Feu enamel dial is created by Donzé Cadrans, a dial-making specialist company owned by Ulysse Nardin.
The hand wound Calibre UN-178 manufacture movement beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour and can deliver such an exceptional power reserve thanks to its double barrel.
The Ulysse Anchor Tourbillon by Ulysse Nardin is available from this month in white gold (ref. 1780-133) at the price of Swiss Francs 88,400 or in rose gold (ref. 1786-133) at Swiss Francs 84,000. Both versions are limited editions of 18 pieces each. ulysse-nardin.com
This is a beautiful innovation which reminds me a Girard Perregaux watch with similar system
ReplyDelete@reub You are probably referring to the GP Constant Escapement. We wrote about it at http://www.timeandwatches.com/2013/03/girard-perregaux-constant-escapement.html
DeleteThe two systems take advantage of the same principles and forces although the implementations are different.