ULYSSE NARDIN EXECUTIVE SKELETON X

The Executive Skeleton X model of Ulysse Nardin, one of the long-established brands of Swiss watchmaking, has been with us for a while to review and experience with as a user.

One of the reasons why I use the phrase “long-established” for Ulysse Nardin is the fact that the company has been in service in the same building in Le Locle, Switzerland, since 1865. This fact itself is also detail reminding us that the brand has a deep-rooted watchmaking tradition.

In addition to the Marine and Diver collections well-known to watch lovers, the brand has its Freak, Classico and Executive collections. The timepiece at our hand is the new member of the Executive line: the Skeleton X.

The Skeleton X family is presented in four case materials: titanium, titanium PVD, gold and Carbonium.

Launched at SIHH 2019, the Skeleton X is basically a revision of the Skeleton Tourbillon model released in 2016 but without a tourbillon and with a downsized case diameter of 42mm instead of 45mm. By this mean, it is aimed to reach the younger user group with a more competitive price. We may call it, kind of, a transition to Haute Horlogerie.

As for the design, the specific model at our hand is the Ref. 3713-260-3/03 with a 42mm titanium case and a blue rubber strap.

We can enumerate the general handicaps of the skeleton watches as follows: being in full view, by their very structure, of the workmanship defects; exaggerated toy-like standing of some models, and trouble in readability.

If these drawbacks are overcome, each can turn into a powerful advantage; as in the case of Skeleton X Titanium!

Firstly, the timepiece is crafted by the super workmanship of Ulysse Nardin and therefore, no workmanship defect at any point catches your eyes.

On the dial with a modern aesthetics, blue and titanium colors are employed together. Roman numerals are applied at 3 and 9 o’clock. A big “X” is formed by the bridges that merge from the indexes at 11, 1, 5 and 7 and reach into the blue rectangle at the center of the dial. These bridges also fix the UN-371 movement to the dial.

By the way, let’s speak of the UN-371 caliber that gives life to our timepiece. Being a total re-design of the UN-171 caliber, the engine has a power reserve of 4 days, thanks to its relatively bigger hairspring, and operates at a rate of 3Hz (21,600vph). The use of innovative materials ensured lightness to the engine, equipped with a silicium balance wheel and gear train.

With its lightweight titanium case, skeletonized dial and caliber, our timepiece is incredibly light and comfortable, along with its blue rubber strap with a titanium buckle. Actually, you may easily forget, during the day, that you have a watch on your wrist.

Almost all surfaces of the titanium case are satin finished and as an Ulysse Nardin tradition, a plate with the model number is riveted on the left side of the case. The PVD-coated blue bezel is in harmony with the case, dial and rubber strap.

We mentioned earlier the problem of legibility as of the disadvantages of skeleton watches. Skeleton X has turned it into an advantage, in such a way that the minute display on the dial’s outer circle, the hour indexes, and the designs of the hours and minutes hands are as if they are lecturing the other skeleton watches day and night long, thanks to their selection of color and their Luminova fillings blazing in the dark.

Having sapphire crystals at the front and back, the timepiece’s specified water resistance is 50m.

In sum, we have a model that achieved to simply overcome the above-mentioned obstacles peculiar to other skeleton watches. Though not an over-embellished timepiece, it achieves getting attention on every occasion. Although it makes itself forgotten at times, due to its incredible comfort, looking at the timepiece places a smile on your face. Carrying it on your wrist and occasionally looking at it makes you feel special. Last but not least, I can say it is a timepiece that looks more expensive than its price.