Ulysse Nardin Classico Rabbit 40mm

In the Chinese culture, the rabbit is the fourth in the twelve-year cycle of animals and is known to be the luckiest of the twelve animals. This creature symbolizes longevity, peace and hope, and promises prosperity and elegance. This year, Ulysse Nardin marks the 2023 event and celebrates the kind-hearted animal with a new timepiece that embodies the Manufacture’s craftmanship, the Classico Rabbit.

Using the centuries-old champlevé and cloisonné methods of enameling, the artist’s sketch is brought to life. The Classico Rabbit 40 mm – produced in a limited-edition series of 88 timepieces - is powered by the UN-815 self-winding movement with 42 hours power reserve. It features a black alligator strap with a rose-gold buckle and an open sapphire case-back. Water-resistant up to 50 meters, the rose-gold 5N polished case sets off the rabbit motif to perfection.

Enameling

Enameling is a decorative art mastered by a handful of craftsmen. This métier d’art can only be found on the timepieces of the world's most prestigious watchmakers. In the lead is Ulysse Nardin with Donzé Cadrans, its inhouse workshop, where the tradition of enamel techniques is perpetuating along time. The process consists in applying an array of enameling techniques to its watches, including Grand Feu, Cloisonné, Champlevé and Flinqué. Similar yet distinctive, each enameling process is handcrafted and requires superior skills and precision. The complexity, exquisite detail, lifelike scenes, and overall magical effect achieved through enameling are a few reasons why timepieces illustrating these techniques have been highly desired for centuries by collectors.

Champlevé technique

The champlevé technique involves carving directly onto the dial, creating individual “cells” that are then filled with enamel. The colors come from a careful blending of different metallic oxides. The dial is fired until the enamel melts before being smoothed and polished when cooled down. The final step – which is also the most delicate – involves enriching the motif by chiseling metal elements onto the surface.

Cloisonné technique

The cloisonné technique is the revival of a very ancient method. Dating before the Middle Ages, it was extensively used during the Byzantine Empire and in the West as early as the 4th century. This method consists of creating compartments using a very thin gold wire to deposit the enamel with utmost precision. Folding alone represents up to 15 working hours per dial.

Technical specifications

Ulysse Nardin Special Edition Classico Rabbit in Champlevé Enamel

Reference: 8152-111LE-9E-RABBIT/1A

Limited edition of 88 pieces

Case

• Material: Rose gold
• Diameter: 40 mm
• Case back: Rose gold and open sapphire case back
• Water-resistant to 50 metres

Dial and hands

• Rabbit Champlevé and cloisonné enamel
• Produced by Donzé Cadrans
• Rose gold leaf hands

Movement

• Caliber UN-815
• Self-winding movement
• Number of jewels: 21
• Frequency: 28’800 vph (4 Hz) 
• Power reserve of 42 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, seconds

Strap and buckle

• Black alligator strap with rose gold buckle

MSRP: CHF 40'600

For more information, please visit ulysse-nardin.com