Haute Time: Ulysse Nardin Introduces the Innovative New Caliber 118

As Ulysse Nardin introduces its new Caliber 118, the brand further establishes itself as a horological leader in the use of innovative and avant-garde materials. A continuation of the Caliber 66/67 Sonata, the Caliber 118 continues to make great strides in movement technology.

For the escapement of the piece, Ulysse Nardin teamed up with Sigatec in Sion, Switzerland. The watch uses DIAMonSIL, a revolutionary alliance of silicium and man-made diamonds. The result is an extremely hard, but very lightweight material that eliminates friction and the dreaded need for lubrication of the escapement. Sigatec is the only company in the world that is capable of producing the watch’s high-precision components in both silicium and DIAMonSIL, a feat of nanotechnology that took years to develop.

The Caliber 118 will also be the first in a series of movements to feature a patented DIAMonSIL escapement and oscillator that are both in-house produced. The oscillator is adjustable with four screws and is fitted with a silicium 1.1.1 hairspring. The piece also boasts a 60-hour power reserve and its own date corrector, allowing for forward and backward setting in mere seconds.

Of the innovative new timepiece, President and CEO of Ulysse Nardin, Rolf Schnyder says, “Our policy to develop movement technology in-house enables Ulysse Nardin to master its own quality. Ulysse Nardin is committed to innovations that move the industry forward and in the creation of mechanical timepieces which will become the heirlooms for future generations.”