Ulysse Nardin Executive Moonstruck Worldtimer

What is a World Timer?

As its name suggests, a world timer watch allows the wearer to keep track of all the major time zones. Labeling the time zones are typically the world’s major cities, for example Hong Kong, London, and New York. A world timer function is considered a complication.

In watchmaking, a complication is any additional functions in addition to the time like a calendar or chronograph. Of course, equipping a luxury watch with a world timer function is a complex procedure. Thus, this particularly practical function is reserved for only the most skilled watchmakers.

New for 2017: Ulysse Nardin Executive Moonstruck Worldtimer

Sized at 46mm in diameter and available in either a rose gold (ref. 1062-113/01) or platinum (ref. 1069-113/01) iteration, the Ulysse Nardin Executive Moonstruck Worldtimer is a showstopper on the wrist. Central to the watch face is a map of the Northern Hemisphere from the perspective of the North Pole. Surrounding this map are three concentric discs that revolve around the world map. The outermost circle is the solar disc, which — in the sun’s image — completes one revolution each day. Also fitted with a day/night indicator, it showcases 24 different time zones. The names of the representative cities marked out on the dial’s internal flange, thus making this instrument a true worldtimer.

Moving towards the center of the dial, the two inner discs hold the moon’s orbit. The outer of the two discs demonstrate the moon’s position, while the inner disc displays the evolution of the lunar phases. Amazingly, in addition to all of these intricate mechanics, the Ulysse Nardin Executive Moonstruck Worldtimer is also the only astronomical watch that has the same side of the moon always facing the sun, as in the real world.

By having two rotating discs, Ulysse Nardin has guaranteed an unparalleled level of accuracy. For example, the time lag per lunar month equates to just one day every 40 years. Another aspect of the dial is a rich blue map of the ocean’s tides. These are directed by the gravitational forces of the interaction between the sun and the moon and the own Earth’s rotation. Completing the detailing on the dial, surrounding the central world map is a track indicating the date via a scale of 1 to 31.

Ulysse Nardin Caliber UN-106

Ulysse Nardin has always been at the forefront of watchmaking with an enviable list of complicated timepieces to its name. And the new Ulysse Nardin Executive Moonstruck Worldtimer masterpiece the manufacture’s commitment perfectly.

Powered by the in-house Caliber UN-106, the Executive Moonstruck Worldtimer places Ulysse Nardin among the finest watchmakers in the world for technical skill and aesthetic achievement. Visible via a sapphire crystal caseback, this self-winding movement includes the famous silicium escapement and spring. Another function of the Caliber UN-106 is a quick setting mechanism that enables the wearer to rapidly change the time forwards or backwards by one hour via push-buttons at 8 and 10 o’clock. Vibrating at a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour and offering a 50-hour power reserve, this timepiece is undoubtedly for the frequent flyer.

Limited to a run of just 100 units each, the Ulysse Nardin Executive Moonstruck Worldtimer costs $75,000 for the rose gold model and $95,000 for the platinum model. Each comes with a black leather strap with a folding clasp in the matching precious metal. As a timepiece featuring some never-before-seen mechanisms, we’re sure the asking price is justifiable for the haute horology collector with a particular affinity for travel and complicated watches.

While Ulysse Nardin typically uses the oceans as its inspiration, that doesn’t stop them from reaching for the moon. The Ulysse Nardin Executive Moonstruck Worldtimer is a stunning example of what the Swiss watchmaker can achieve. Incredible design and technical mastery is just what the manufacture from Le Locle is great at.