New for 2017: Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon

The Blue Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon

Not one to shy away from striking designs and bold statements, Ulysse Nardin releases another Executive Skeleton Tourbillon model. This year’s edition sports an ultralight titanium case with a  blue ceramic bezel. For a distinct look, the Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon trades in a dial face for a skeleton dial. This allows a view of the caliber within via the sapphire crystal on the front and back of the watch. Considering that this timepiece contains a flying tourbillon complication, it’s no wonder the watchmakers has the impressive movement on display for all to admire.

Tying in nicely with Ulysse Nardin’s love of all things marine, this Executive Skeleton Tourbillon’s bezel comes in a gorgeous blue ceramic. The color continues within the watch’s dial with a periphery ring also appearing in blue. This is in addition to the dial’s central blue rectangular bridge, which is a signature design element of the Executive collection. Balancing out the blue components are oversized Roman numerals at 3, 9, and 12 o’clock, as well as, stretched hour markers all in a silvery finish. And complementing this sheen are the watch’s large sword minute and hour hands, which also appear in silver and contain luminous strips for improved legibility in lowlight situations.

Large but Light

Despite its case measuring a hefty 45mm in diameter, the Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon is surprisingly light. This is thanks in part to the case being constructed out of titanium.  Furthermore, the caliber’s escapement wheel and balance spring are made from silicium. Both materials are beloved by high-end watchmakers because of their lightweight nature, which means that horology artisans can create their technical masterpieces without fear of weighing the wearer’s wrist down. Adorning the side of the watch at 3 o’clock is a screw-down security crown, which offers a good counterbalance to the large claw-like lugs that frame the bezel.

Wrapping up the bold look of the Executive Skeleton Tourbillon is a blue leather strap that mimics a carbon fiber. The weave of the strap recalls the iconic carbon structure pattern.  Fitted with a titanium folding buckle and firmly integrated as a result of the case’s substantial lugs, this strap continues the watch’s theme of merging power with style.

The Ulysse Nardin Caliber UN-171

The Manufacture-made Caliber UN-171 powers the Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon. A manually wound movement, the Le Locle-based Manufacture is clearly showing off their mechanical prowess. This is clearly evident with the flying tourbillon — one of the high-end watch world’s most difficult complications to achieve. Visible at 6 o’clock, watch aficionados will be mesmerized by the inner workings of this intricate technology that offers precision performance. But beauty is not all that this timepiece boasts; the UN-171 offers the wearer an incredible power reserve of 170 hours — that’s over one week of timekeeping storage capability!

Coming in at just under $39,000, the Executive Skeleton Tourbillon offers a competitive price considering for a flying tourbillon complication. While this is certainly not a small amount of money, it is substantially less than comparable models. A notoriously difficult piece to engineer, flying tourbillon watches are thus typically exhorbitant. With its transparent yet daring design and its show of technical mastery, this timepiece will no doubt attract many collectors.