Baselworld 2015 Review – Ulysse Nardin Classico Kruzenshtern Enamel Timepiece

Ulysse Nardin continues to pay homage to the wondrous world of maritime. The newest member of its Classico Collection celebrates an amazing Russian four-masted barque and tall ship constructed at Geestemünde in Bremerhaven, Germany in 1926.

Ulysse Nardin Classico Kruzenshtern Enamel Watch

The Kruzenshtern ship was originally named Padua, after the city in Italy, but after it was surrendered to the USSR in 1946 as a war reparation, the barque was renamed Kruzenshtern after the 19th century Baltic German explorer in Russian service, Adam Johann Krusenstern. Today, this ship operates primarily as a training ship, but in its long history, his missions, journeys and services were vast.

The legendary vessel is now immortalized on the dial of the new Ulysse Nardin Classico Kruzenshtern timepiece which precisely portrays its appearance in gorgeous cloisonné enamel.

The dial of the new Ulysse Nardin’s watch is made by using the highly complex decorative technique in which opaque or translucent colors are derived by mixing silica nitrate and lead oxide, to which metallic oxide is added for coloring. As you might expect, the exact proportions of all elements, as well as their particular combinations are kept as a secret.

Ulysse Nardin Classico Kruzenshtern Enamel Watch Manufacturing

Each section is divided by fine gold wire, and Ulysse Nardin’s enamelers used more than 500mm of it to make the cloisons. For each cloisonné dial, it was necessary no less than 50 hours of artisan expertise and it consists of 26 processes to complete.

Besides the vessel, its dial also depicts a blue sky above and crashing waves beneath, while the Kruzenshtern slices through the water with fortitude.

Ulysse Nardin Classico Kruzenshtern Enamel Gold Watch

Ulysse Nardin Classico Kruzenshtern Enamel watch is available in two versions, both handcrafted either from 18-karat rose or 18-karat white gold (their referent numbers are 8156-111-2/KRUZ and 8150-111-2/KRUZ). The round case measures 40mm in diameter and it is domed with anti-reflective sapphire crystals. The case construction provides water resistance up to 50 meters (about 165 feet). The reverse side of the watch reveals open case back with sapphire crystal fixed with screws.

Ulysse Nardin Classico Kruzenshtern Enamel Watch Front

Classico Kruzenshtern is powered with the self-winding UN-815 caliber that comes with the COSC-certified chronometer. The new Ulysse Nardin is capable to store enough power to keep the watch ticking for at least 42 hours.

Both versions of the Ulysse Nardin Kruzenshtern are produced in the limited quantity of 30 pieces. They are attached either to a leather strap or to a metallic bracelet.

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