Text by Hiroyuki Suzuki
A Japan-exclusive musical piece that plays a song of joy
Ulysse Nardin specializes in musical pieces. The "Stranger," a disc-shaped music box, is a symbol of the company's unique creativity. This unique piece, available only in Japan, plays the Ninth Symphony.
A musical watch that activates a disc music box every hour on the hour or by operating the pusher. The pusher, located on the same axis as the crown, is the selector for winding, setting the time, etc. The pusher at 10 o'clock switches to silent mode, and the pusher at 8 o'clock triggers the start of the performance. Automatic winding (Cal. UN-690). 64 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 48 hours. 18KWG (45mm diameter). Water resistant to 30m. Limited production of one piece per color. 1474 million yen each.
The musical watch released by Ulysse Nardin in 2013 is a type of music box watch, but rather than a traditional drum-type music box, the tune is stored on a giant disc that extends the entire diameter of the dial. This model is called the "Stranger" because the first model featured the pop number "Strangers in the Night," sung by Frank Sinatra and others. Later, variations were produced that played pieces such as Vivaldi's "Violin Concerto in E Major." The latest model, featuring Beethoven's "Symphony No. 9, 4th Movement," one of the most famous pieces in Japan, was released as a unique piece with only one of each colorway. Naturally, it is exclusive to the Japanese market.
The disc begins to rotate on the hour, or when the pusher is operated, and the pins embedded in the disc repel the 10 blades attached to the dial. The ingenious governor control that regulates the disc's rotation speed is a testament to the true value of Ulysse Nardin, which specializes in minute repeaters and erotic automata. The case back is also specially designed, with a lyric (Joy, beautiful flash of God, flash of God) engraved in German. Check out the video to see it in action.
Contact info: Sowind Japan Tel. 03-5211-1791
