Ulysse Nardin Classico The Hour Glass Ginza 25th Anniversary Edition

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Ulysse Nardin & The Hour Glass collaboration

2021 saw The Hour Glass of Tokyo, Japan embark on a brand new adventure and what better partner for the launch than Ulysse Nardin, the ever fearless and pioneering brand of explorers.

The start of a new adventure and simultaneously a two-fold celebration for the Japanese arm of one of the world's leading specialist watch retailers, 2021 marked the 25th anniversary of The Hour Glass' establishment in Tokyo and the 10th anniversary of the move to its current location in the ritzy Ginza district of the city. Two significant milestones celebrated and commemorated with two distinct initiatives. The first, a stunning 360-degree renovation and refurbishment of the Ginza boutique, indicating the clear start of an exciting new chapter for The Hour Glass Japan. The second, the creation of two limited edition timepieces in collaboration with two longstanding partners of the boutique: Vacheron Constantin and Ulysse Nardin.

With a unique source of inspiration as unpredictable, mysterious, ever-changing and enchanting as the world's vast oceans, the brand has acquired the qualities and reputation of agile innovator and reinventor, with countless accolades to its name for outstanding technical accomplishments.

This perfect pairing of visionary retailer with dynamic watchmaker led to the creation of the simply sublime piece presented here - the Ulysse Nardin Classico Hour Glass edition.

The watch

Before setting sail on a voyage to explore the captivating beauty of the piece, a mention must be made of just how limited an edition it is. A piece of celebration, envisioned to mark one particular moment in time, just 25 pieces (for the 25th anniversary) of the Classico Hour Glass were produced. The result of a unique, time-specific collaboration, the odds of this version of the Classico reappearing on the market any time soon could safely be placed at slim to none - it is one of those firework flashes of brilliance.

The round case is formed of polished, shimmering steel and measures a neat 40 mm in diameter whilst sitting at 10 mm high. Refined, subtly curved lugs gently extend from the all-encompassing case that serves as the perfect portal to the openly magnificent dial. A salmon dial beautifully covered in sweeping, radiating guilloché, undeniably an aspect of interest to collectors, yet not at all the only feature that makes this a real stand-out, stand-alone piece. Raised, mirror polished Breguet numerals mark the hours, perfectly matching with the mirrored Breguet hands that grace the dial.

This combination of polished steel case, guilloché salmon dial and mirrored Breguet numerals/hands creates simply the most beautiful interaction between the watch and light. From any angle, the watch glistens, the salmon dial taking on an almost ethereal appearance in bright, natural light, whilst in darker light the more golden hue of the salmon dial shines through.

Two further, seemingly small yet decidedly significant, design choices complete the excellently executed dial. A seconds subdial is located at 6, yet the date function normally found here on the Classico is absent. For this limited edition piece, The Hour Glass Japan explained the decision was made to remove the date window for a "simpler and more elegant design". In keeping with this idea of streamlining the dial, the 'swiss made' below the 6 was flawlessly incorporated into the circular flow of minute markers on the outer perimeter of the dial. Small touches that make the world of difference.

The crown is completed with the Ulysse Nardin logo and on the opposite side of the case, a plate with the engraving of the piece number is to be found. Further engravings can be seen on the caseback including 'Ulysse Nardin', '30 meters' the watch's water resistance and of course, 'Limited Edition'.

Movement

Every detail of this watch has been carefully curated and in a nicely refined move, the most significant upgrade to the watch was reserved for the movement. Through the exhibition caseback, the UN-320, an in-house, automatic movement, can be viewed. The standard movement that powers the Classico, for this limited edition the normally brass rotor has been crafted in 22k rose gold, complete with UN wave engraving. Ulysse Nardin has been one of the main watchmakers to harness the potential of using silicon in watch movements, a material with properties that enable greater precision. On the UN-320 the hairspring, escape wheel and pallet fork are all made of silicon. Its free-sprung balance vibrates at 28,800 times per hour and the watch has a power reserve of 48 hours.

How it wears

The Classico, as the name implies, wears with just wonderful ease and simply excellent style. The Classico Hour Glass edition is an exceptionally elegant dress watch that blends effortlessly with the wrist and is eye-catching in a very chic and subtle way. The combination of the warm tone of the salmon dial with the cool steel case gives the watch great versatility, which is further enhanced by the not one but three original straps included with the watch. A steel bracelet, which creates a particularly striking look, as well as one black and one brown crocodile leather strap.

The set & condition

A creation of 2021, the watch is in excellent condition and as described above comes with 2 original straps, both crocodile straps are unworn. The clasp of the steel bracelet and the steel buckle included both carry the UN signature.

The Ulysse Nardin Classico Hour Glass edition is the perfect example of when great minds meet and get it 'just right'.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. 

No stock kept on site

Reference 3203-136LE-7A-THG/1A
Movement Automatic
Caliber
Calibre UN-320
Dial Salmon
Size (Case) 40 mm
Material (Case) Steel
Bracelet Ulysse Nardin Steel bracelet
Glass Sapphire
Condition Mint
Year 2021
Papers Yes
Box Yes
Warranty 2 years

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