Ulysse Nardin Skeleton X-the next level of skeleton
Ulysse Nardin prepared a special edition of Elysse Nardin SkeletonX for Ulysse Nardin Skeleton X. Since there is a unique work and the chance of getting a review is very low, I think this is the best chance to review the Skeleton X launched at SIHH 2019. This one is already on the market. As usual, a large gallery will be hosted at the end of the article.
Comments on Ulysse Nardin Skeleton X
The parts published in today’s review were launched during SIHH 2019. The collection has four timepieces: satin-finished titanium, black DLC titanium, rose gold version and innovative Carbonium® parts. Today, I will introduce the last three versions. It seems that I missed the opportunity to shoot satin titanium films.
Before proceeding with the wrist scrolling video, I want to introduce you to the official release video. I like.
From the appearance, the most striking thing is the interesting structure of Skeleton X. The fake watch was designed and built as an ultra-light structure from the beginning. The result is part of laborious cutting and manual finishing.
With a few exceptions, all watches have the same construction. The Carbonium® case is 43mm instead of 42mm for the metal case.
A complicated case
Ulysse Nardin Skeleton X has a complicated case. Design has brought difficulties to production: it increases the number of steps and extends the processing time. The brand not only reveals all the details inside and outside the watch, but also shows strong manufacturing capabilities. In fact, the brand uses ultra-modern technology and materials.
All variants of Skeleton X have specific design elements. The brand did not use a single dial and only changed the material of the case, but made the front view consistent with the appearance of the case.
The Carbonium® case is eye-catching because of its appearance. Carbon fiber with a diameter of 7 μm plays a major role. The production of this material requires high pressure and high temperature, and compared with traditional processes, the harm to the environment is still 40% less. This high-performance material is used in aviation. Due to technical and production reasons, Carbonium® shells are larger than metal shells.
The crown and the case also pay attention to details: complex shapes and structures and exquisite decorations. The grip is excellent, and the movement responds very well to the operation of the crown.
The dial of Ulysse Nardin Skeleton X is beautiful in appearance and technology. The idea of using movement components as dial and dial decoration is not new. But luxury Ulysse Nardin has done a magical job here.
Using the hour index as a support bridge left a deep impression on me. The balanced structure blends the elements of the dial with the elements of the movement. This design makes the dial a part of the movement and vice versa.
The dial uses only two Roman numerals as indexes: III and IX. The remaining three-dimensional indexes have luminescent material processing. The index of 1, 5, 7 and 11 points is twice the support bridge. A good technical solution and a beautiful implementation.
The hands are hollowed out and partly filled with SuperLuminova. Readability is okay. You can read the time easily, but the effect is not good. Except in low light, SuperLuminova enhances clarity.
Skeleton X has no hidden faces or components. Everything is revealed in a deep structure. The movement is perfectly integrated with the dial decoration.
Skeleton X is powered by UN-371 movement. The movement is based on the Ulysse Nardin movement 171. The manual winding 3Hz movement provides an amazing power reserve of 96 hours.
The movement is beautifully designed and very symmetrical. The rectangular shape on the front of the watch appears again on the back. It is unusual to find so many 90-degree angles in a watch movement.
UN-371 uses a silicon balance wheel and escapement to give the gold-plated appearance a new look. Pay attention to the skeleton and decoration of the barrel, which can double as a power reserve indicator.
Ulysse Nardin Skeleton X is an excellent watch. The watch was originally launched as a Skeleton Tourbillon in 2016 and has a larger physical size (42 mm and 43 mm, respectively, and the original tourbillon is 45 mm). The new design is very suitable for the wrist, and the lightweight material makes it happier to wear.
I also found that the price is quite competitive. The price of the titanium version is only half of the 2016 unit price. Some people are not happy to see Ulysse Nardin get rid of the tourbillon. I think this is an evolution. Creating new, cheaper and still technically complex parts (to abstract the tourbillon) is a technological advancement and a good marketing move.
If I could only reduce the conclusion to a few sentences, I would say: “The joy of high-tech watches.” I found the practical titanium version, the beautiful rose gold metal version and the spectacular Carbonium sheet. All three of my choices are black DLC titanium.
Ulysse Nardin Skeleton X Technical Specifications
Movement
Calibre UN-371, manual winding movement
Functions
Manufacture Skeleton Movement
3 Hz Silicium balance wheel
Silicium minuterie gear train
Power reserve
96 hours
Case
Titanium
Titanium black DLC
Rose gold 4N
Carbonium ® GOLD
Diameter
Titanium & Rose gold: 42 mm
Carbonium ®: 43 mm
Case back
Sapphire crystal
Water resistance
50 m
Strap
Titanium & Rose Gold available in rubber or alligator strap
Carbonium ® gold available in rubber or grained calf-leather strap
World prices
Skeleton X Titanium Ref 3713-260-3/03
Skeleton X Titanium Ref 3713-260-3/BLACK
Skeleton X Carbonium ® gold Ref 3715-260/CARB
Skeleton X Rose gold Ref 3716-260/03