The Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral Dual Time watch

The Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral Dual Time watch is an exceptional timepiece which represents the convergence of innovative mechanical technology and the traditional craft of haute horlogerie. Conceived by Ulysse Nardin's "Dream Team"--inventor Dr. Ludwig Oechslin, Ulysse Nardin technical director Pierre Gygax, and watchmaker Lucas Humair--the original Sonata watch introduced in 2003, represented the fruition of over seven years of dedicated research. The result: the world's first selfwinding mechanical dual-time wristwatch with a 24-hour alarm capability and a countdown indication for the alarm strike.

The new Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral Dual Time watch represents a subtle improvement to the original Sonata; through careful modification of the interior of the case, as well as improvements to the striking mechanism itself, Ulysse Nardin has managed to improve the volume of the Sonata's beautiful chime, while simultaneously offering an exhibition caseback, a change from the original model, which concealed the movement through a solid back. The remarkable selfwinding UN-67 movement that animates the Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral Dual Time watch is a Manufacture caliber, and has been conceived and designed in entirety by Ulysse Nardin, not being based upon any existing movement. Featuring a power reserve of 42 hours, this mechanism comprises more than 400 carefully adjusted and hand finished components, and is supported by more than 95 jewels.

The mechanism of the Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral Dual Time watch first of all displays two time zones, one of them (the "home" time) being indicated by the 24 hour hand at the lowest part of the dial.

As the wearer navigates through the various time zones, he can push one of the two buttons on either side of the watchcase, and advance the 12-hour hand forwards, or move it backwards, as necessary to adjust for changes in local time. During this operation, the second hand and minute hand function normally, preventing the need for continual resetting upon the arrival at each destination. The revolutionary alarm function of the Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral Dual Time watch, located on the upper right hand part of the dial, is utterly distinctive---unlike other mechanical alarms it permits setting over a 24 hour period, and can account for the difference between AM and PM. This alarm is synchronized with the countdown display seen on the upper left hand side of the dial, which indicates within a 24 hour scale, how much time remains until the alarm will begin to chime. Impressively, when the 12-hour hand is advanced or moved back, the countdown display for the alarm also self-adjusts to match the change, staying right in step with the wearer.

The alarm of the Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral Dual Time watch is an acoustical marvel, and uses a coiled gong, which when struck by the hammers sounds out a beautiful crystalline chime, the power reserve of which is over one minute in duration. Easily heard, even against the wrist, this charming bell-like ringing is totally unlike the monotonous buzzing associated with traditional mechanical alarm watches. For those times when an alarm--even one as charming as this--is inappropriate, the wearer of the Sonata Cathedral Dual Time watch need only press the button on the crown at 9 o'clock, and the selector switch for the alarm can be set to the "off" position for as long as needed.

Like other famous Ulysse Nardin watches such as the GMT Perpetual and the GMT +/- Big Date, the Sonata Cathedral Dual time makes use of the patented Ulysse Nardin large date mechanism, which in addition to being strikingly visible, enables effortless date setting both backwards and forwards, with no ill effects. The 42mm case of the Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral Dual Time watch is spectacular, a fitting home for its remarkable movement; massively crafted in every detail, it is a bold statement of expressive luxury. The dial, too, boasts great intricacy, combining matted surfaces with "Cotes de Geneve" decoration, and accented with finely rendered subdials and blued steel skeletonized hands.

The Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral Dual Time watch is offered in both 18K white gold and 18K rose gold, with a matching gold bracelet being made available for the rose gold version. Several dial variations offer a degree of subtle personalization for this most remarkable timepiece, which has been another award-winning milestone in Ulysse Nardin's fascinating roster of trailblazing horological pyrotechnics.