In the world of watches, the independent manufacturing of each mechanical component is an important process for brands that wish to be regarded with admiration by peers and collectors.
In 2001, Ulysse Nardin caused a sensation in watch circles with Freak, a model that required no lubrication. It was also the first watch to use escape wheels made from silicium.
Since then, Ulysse Nardin has filed further patents to protect the Ulysse Nardin Indirect Escapement, which is now used in the Freak 28,800vph.
Today, Ulysse Nardin uses escape wheels that are made from nickel phosphorus, using LIGA technology. But it has also made them in silicium and diamond. The company was the first to make polycrystalline diamond hairsprings and filed a patent for the process as early as spring 2002.
To mark its 160th anniversary, Ulysse Nardin has taken another giant step forward by making its own base movement, Calibre 160, conceived and executed entirely in-house.
Although the company has made some of its own movements before, this is its first base movement and it will provide the structure to which other complications can be added in the future. It has a big double-date window at 2 o'clock, a quick-set corrector and a small seconds dial with a direct drive hand for maximum precision.