November 4, 2019: Partnering with Devialet, the French company that creates high definition audio with its luxury speakers, watchmakers Ulysse Nardin are creating a limited edition of striking watches, which provide an enhanced audible experience as well!
The resulting Hourstriker Phantom provides an exceptional acoustic performance which makes it an unparalleled striking watch in the watchmaking industry. The watch rings on the hour and half-hour on command, not only telling you the time, but also hearing it.
With a classic striking mechanism, a hammer hits a timbre generating sound frequencies, when emitted, tells the time on command. However, in the Hourstriker Phantom, the heel of the timbre is fixed by a system of torsion arms that change the direction of the action forces induced by the timbre vibrations. In a classic system, the forces produced are essentially in the watch’s movement, which generates a small amount of air that is then displaced by the various components of the watch. With the Hourstriker Phantom, the action forces created by the timbre find their way outside of the watch itself. These forces are vigorously transferred using a transmission arm to a thin membrane, which is found on the bottom side of the watch. As the membrane has a large surface area, a large amount of air is displaced, which results in a high sound level. One could compare this to a loudspeaker and its cone and membrane.
The bottom side of the watch is perforated with eight openings under its membrane that allows the sound to travel and contains the UN-610 automatic manufacture movement. The result is stunning and all the sonic potential of this timepiece appears to be released, amplified, and enhanced. Its fully polished 43 mm titanium case also amplifies the sound and extends its resonance to 85 decibels, an unrivaled level of sound in the world of watchmaking.
The watch’s face is adorned with a satin-brushed anthracite dial inspired by German physicist and musician Ernst Chladni’s figures, formed by the materialization of vibratory waves. Hidden under this sculpted lace-like net, tinted glass obscures the watch’s movement for an ultra-contemporary look. At three o’clock, a small rose gold chip disappears and reappears depending on whether you want to activate or deactivate the striking mechanism (ON/OFF button). Costing CHF 72,500, the piece is enhanced by a black alligator strap and will be sold as a limited edition of 85 pieces, evoking the 85 decibels that it majestically reaches.
