Preserving its functionality and the general layout, the Ulysse Nardin Sonata Streamline (ref. 675-00) features a slightly upgraded automatic movement with a mechanical alarm module.
There is also an absolutely stunning -though some may call it kitschy- exterior appearance with the satin-finished titanium accented with a glossy ceramic bezel and polished rose gold crowns and push-pieces. Yet, to many of us the most interesting part is not the color scheme or the combination of materials, but the gorgeous -both in its complexity and finish- Caliber UN-67 self-movement that the Swiss-based brand designed and manufactured at their own production facilities.
With a number of its parts crafted from silicium -a high-tech material that is as lightweight as it is resistant to magnetic fields-, the new Caliber UN-67 is so far one of the most advanced mechanical movements in the world.
Judging by its specs, the UN-67 is an evolution of the UN-66 caliber that powered the 2008 limited-edition Sonata Silicium.
While the older watch limited the use of the high-tech material to its dial and a patented hairspring, this new caliber adds to the mix a silicium-made anchor and escapement wheel thus making the watch even more durable and precise. All these parts are made by Ulysse Nardin’s sister company Sigatec, so one can still call the movement an “in-house” job.
Packing a truckload of features (like an alarm clock with cathedral bells and a second time zone), the movement is incredibly complex. It uses as many as 109 jewels to run as smoothly as possible. Still, the Sonata Streamline offers no more than 42 hours of power reserve, so you will possibly have to keep it inside a high-end (and also safecracker-proof) winder.
For such a complex timekeeper, it is still compact. Compared to the 2008 model, its titanium body grew only two millimeters wider, now measuring just 44 millimeters in width.
The traditional open-worked rose gold hands with white Superluminova patches on them look easily readable and the pair of blued hands at 10 hours (count-down timer) and 2 hours (alarm setting) are contrasting and, too, easy to read. It is also nice to see that, thanks to the shape of sub-dials and hands, the dial gives a whole new meaning to the word “face”.
See also: Archimede Deck Watch R UA7952
WWR Verdict
Originality 5/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 4/5
Nighttime Legibility: 3.5/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Photos: Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin Sonata Streamline in Titanium specification
Price: $39,000 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic (self-winding,) Caliber UN-67, in-house, anchor and escapement wheel manufactured from silicium, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 106
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 42 hours
Movement decoration: 22-carat white gold rotor
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, big date, alarm clock with cathedral bells, countdown, 24-hour Dual Time display
Case: Titanium
Bezel: Ceramic
Crown: Rose gold
Shape: Round
Size: 44.00 mm
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Rose gold, open-worked, luminous
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Black leather strap
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective on both sides
Back: Solid (for better sound)