Classic Sonata by Ulysse Nardin Combines Beauty with Function

An alarm watch with cathedral gongs and dual-time function, the Classic Sonata boasts an aesthetic that translates much of the mechanical rigour of the movement straight through to the dial.

The Sonata is not a new line for Ulysse Nardin, though it has disappeared from the current collection as a part of the manufacture's recent efforts to streamline its offerings. This latest incarnation falls into the new Classic collection (one of six collections to make up the new catalogue) and is styled accordingly.

The 44mm stainless steel case has broad shoulders, large crowns, and prominent pushers, plus a titanium bezel. Meanwhile the partially-striped blue dial is accented with faceted dagger-shaped markers at the hours, and the blue and silver colour scheme is somewhat streamlined.

The Classic Sonata offers a few different complications, including the large but simple date display at 4 o'clock and the 24-hour dual time display at 6 o'clock.

But then we have the namesake complication for this watch, the cathedral gong alarm. You set the alarm on the large dial at one o'clock, which houses the alarm's power reserve indicator inside of it. Then at 10 o'clock is the on/off display so you don't end up hearing the chimes at sub-optimal moments.

Powering the Classic Sonata is the caliber UN-67 movement, which is an automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve.

As with most of Ulysse Nardin's modern movements, there are plenty of silicon components in the UN-67, including the hairspring, and there's also UN's special patented balance said to have superior inertia.

The Classic Sonata is available in a strictyly limited run of just 99 pieces, each priced at €26,300.