iW Magazine Summer 2019 | Page 38

BOUTIQUE ULYSSE NARDIN Executive Skeleton X Magma The newest Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton X is its hottest yet. The lightweight, open-worked Executive Skeleton X Carbon watch, which we considered one of the more interesting debuts seen during the SIHH this past January, is now available with a red dressing that is meant to recall the hot red lava, or magma, flowing from an erupting volcano. The watch, dubbed Executive Skeleton X Magma, retains the original model’s open- worked manual wind Caliber UN-371 movement, but surrounds the mechanism with a distinctive black and red 43mm case created when Ulysse Nardin mixes red marbled epoxy resin with black carbon fiber. The movement’s X-shaped design, which gives the watch its name, is accentuated by four now-red indexes that create the X, anchored by Roman numerals on each side. The red numerals mark the three o’clock and nine o’clock positions while the index and hands are all set with match- ing red SuperLuminova. All this heat frames the movement, which boasts four days of power reserve and a silicon balance wheel and gear train. Price: $25,000. IW RATING Design: 8 (out of 10) Memorable profile – and made more so with this new color. Innovation: 8 Existing U.N. skeletonized caliber retains its airi- ness and visual appeal. Finissage: 7 It’s the choice of color here, though inside the finish appears strong. Legibility: 7 The luminosity helps. Rarity: 8 Limited by production only. Value: 7 It’s priced just a bit more than the dark carbon debut. Overall iW rating: 45 (out of 60) 38 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | SUMMER 2019