Ulysse Nardin Exo-Skeleton X
Only Watch
Only Watch 2019: In-Depth With The Unique Ulysse Nardin - Exo-Skeleton X
At Ulysse Nardin, innovation is second nature. It becomes even more significant when it carries meaning. The unique Exo-Skeleton X, created for the eight edition of the Only Watch charity auction, demonstrates this perfectly.
By Benjamin Teisseire
Contributor
Ulysse Nardin's inspiration comes directly from the work of the EPFL research group (REHAssist), which has developed an exoskeleton to assist people with neurodegenerative muscular diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The creation of the Exo-Skeleton X - a unique concept watch to be auctioned on November 9th in Geneva by Christie's - will fully serve this cause.
Biorobotics and watchmaking
Mechanical watchmaking is, of course, a world of dreams where emotion is paramount. But watchmaking has also brought the world tremendous expertise in miniaturization and precision. Combining this expertise to worthy causes only adds meaning.
Autonomyo is an external device that supports the wearer while walking, it works as an external skeleton to help reproduce the movements necessary for walking. This is a major step forward in the fight against this destructive disease and serves as an improvement in the quality of life of those affected or those waiting to find therapeutic treatments.
The manufacture of Le Locle takes this idea to apply to a skeleton timepiece by adding four flexible blades attached to its middle part. The goal is the same as its robotics counterpart: to give more autonomy and comfort in everyday life ... and especially to help the research with the proceeds of its sale at Only Watch.
A unique timepiece
The Skeleton X collection, launched at SIHH 2019 in Geneva, already made an impression with its modern and different look. Ulysse Nardin today makes it even more meaningful by strengthening its ergonomics to serve a noble cause. The watch features a literal exoskeleton that frees the lugs and the bracelet for increased mobility and optimized comfort.
The highly graphic architecture of the case and the skeleton dial leaves us free to admire the UN-371 manufactured caliber with its large silicon balance, its nickel weights and its micro-pallets of stabilization. The comfort is further enhanced by the lightweight titanium case, a contained dimension of 42mm, a generous power reserve of 96 hours and water resistance of 50m. So many additional reasons to acquire this unique piece ... as if the essential cause that it supports was not enough!
When a watchmaker uses its expertise and spirit of innovation to concretely support a worthwhile cause, it becomes even more desirable. For Ulysse Nardin, it was an obvious choice, as confirmed by Pruniaux Patrick, CEO of the Manufacture in Le Locle, "It was clear to us that we needed to find a strong link between the piece and its design. The cause was important to us and we wanted to express it with this EXO-SKELETON X. The passion instilled by Ulysse Nardin watchmakers and designers in this timepiece reflects the deep commitment of the President and members of the Association. Monegasque against myopathies to advance research against these degenerative diseases."
The Only Watch auction will certainly be a success on 9 November at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva. An unmissable event!
About Only Watch
The Only Watch Auction, sponsored by S.A.S. Prince Albert II of Monaco, was initiated by the Monegasque Association Against Myopathies (AMM). This long-awaited biennale will open in Monaco during the Yacht Show whose brand has been the main sponsor for 11 years. This event aims to raise funds for research on muscular dystrophy, including that of Duchenne. The Duchenne disease affects about one in 3,000 babies at birth and causes progressive degeneration of all the muscles in the body.
Only Watch brings together unique pieces from luxury watch companies. Since 2005, some 40 million Swiss francs have been donated to this cause thanks to around 50 brands. The 2019 collection will be showcased at various events around the world, starting with the Monaco Yacht Show, September 25-28. It will then stop in Dubai, Paris, London, New York, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taipei until November 9, the date of the auction which will take place in Geneva, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bergues, under the hammer of Christie's house.
