Ulysse Nardin Genghis Khan watch

The Ulysse Nardin Genghis Khan watch is a masterpiece of elite watchmaking, and demonstrates Ulysse Nardin's incredible ability to create unique haute horlogerie representing the highest level of accomplishment.  A true convergence of horology and art, the Genghis Khan watch presents to the world the first minute repeating Jaquemart watch with a Westminster carillon chime and a tourbillon; each of the separate complications in this watch are daunting enough, but when combined in a single watch, the achievement is staggering. 

It is impossible not to be mesmerized by the beautiful hand-made dial of the Ulysse Nardin Genghis Khan watch---upon a rich jet-black background of polished onyx, the finely rendered Mongolian warriors appear, and come to life, engaging in their combative motions with miniature vigor, each time the minute repeater is activated.  The chiming mechanism of this watch is incredible, going well beyond the already remarkable complication of the minute repeater; with the Genghis Khan watch, in addition to the distinct strikes of the hour and minute, each quarter hour has a distinct sequence of the four "Big Ben" tones (Do/RE/MI/SOL), the most complex of which is reserved for the final quarter (.45) which combines three separate four-gong sequences. While this musical tour-de-force is taking place, the automaton figures each move---the sword fighters clash during the hour chimes, and the warrior atop the horse brings his spear into play during the minute chimes; all four figures on the dial, including the seated musician, move during the various strike sequences of the quarter hours. 

Below the automaton figures, a cutout in the dial allows one to admire the exceptional one minute tourbillon, which follows the design of James Pellaton, son of the famous tourbillon specialist Albert-Favre Pellaton; James Pellaton's tourbillon design was distinguished by the unique bridge, which was secured at two points on one side, and a single point on the other side, and he built many fine tourbillons using this distinguishing feature for Ulysse Nardin in the early 20th century.  Ulysse Nardin has therefore paid tribute to this master watchmaker and created a tourbillon according to his specifications, with the added finesse of a curved--rather than a straight--tourbillon bridge.  Made of gold, and beautifully angled and polished, this tourbillon bridge suggests the shape of a curved sword; it is a wonderful framework in which to observe the unhurried, continual rotation of the one minute tourbillon regulator. 

The spectacular mechanics of the Ulysse Nardin Genghis Khan watch--visible also through the exhibition sapphire caseback-- are presented within a massive and luxurious 42mm case made from 18K rose or white gold.  Due to the immense difficulty inherent in making a single Genghis Khan watch, Ulysse Nardin will only produce 30 watches in each metal, with only a few pieces being made each year.  For the dedicated collector of exceptional and rare timepieces, acquiring the Ulysse Nardin Genghis Khan watch will not be an opportunity to be missed.