Ulysse Nardin Sonata Silicium Limited Edition alarm watch replaces Au with Si

Ulysse Nardin, the Swiss watchmaking brand that gained its reputation thanks to the impeccable quality of its marine chronometers, has once again updated its unique Sonata alarm automatic wrist watch.

First revealed five year ago, the Sonata series was presented in a choice of five models and included a GMT, a Big Date, a Count Down, and an Alarm watch.

Speaking the same design language as the then new Ulysse Nardin Freak model, the new series featured a characteristic dial that was cut out to such an extent that it took no more than one fourth of the real estate.

The rest was left to the baseplate that was decorated with Cotes de Geneve motif.

This time, the beautiful timepiece comes fitted with even freakier choice of materials.

The new Ulysse Nardin Sonata Silicium Limited Edition men’s watch has its golden dial replaced with a piece cut out of a silicon wafer.

Yes, a close relative of the one that powers your computer and your iPhone and your microwave oven has finally made it to the sacred world of la Haute Horlogerie. Dreams do come true. Sure.

Although some people may find the choice of materials outrageous, to me the silicon dial looks like a good solution to Sonata’s innate problem with legibility and lack of harmony: the dark-blue piece of Silicium nicely separates the elegant oval-shaped hour and minute hands from the second-layer dial with its curtain-like Geneva stripes decoration.

The rest of the watch didn’t undergo any visible changes.

The watch is still powered by Ulysse Nardin’s patented UN-66 self-winding movement consisting of more than 450 parts and featuring 109 jewels to ensure as lowest friction as possible, although this particular model features the patent pending Silicium (1.1.1) cut hairspring.

Sonata’s long list of functions includes 24h alarm with Cathedral gong, a countdown indicator, dual time system with instant time zone adjustor, and a big date in double-window.

Only 500 UN Sonata Silicium watches will be sold.

Photos: Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin Sonata Silicium Limited Edition alarm watch specification :

Price range: $70,000
Movement: UN-66 self-winding caliber
Complications: Hours, Minutes, Center Seconds, 24 hour Dual-Time, Chiming Alarm, Countdown, On/off indicator for alarm adjusted from the button on the left crown
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case material: 18k white gold, 18k rose gold, solid caseback to ensure the best alarm sound
Case diameter: 42mm
Case height: 13mm
Dial: Silicon, natural color
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Crocodile leather
Crystal: Sapphire crystal