Ulysse Nardin Unveil Carnival of Venice Minute Repeater

Luxury watchmakers Ulysse Nardin have unveiled a limited-edition new watch inspired by the world’s most romantic city – Venice, Italy. In a fitting tribute to this historic city, the Minute Repeater Carnival of Venice timepiece is both visually beautiful and brilliant in terms of its engineering. In this case, the repeater is as much a musical instrument as it is a timekeeper.

The Swiss manufacture, which is known for many firsts in watchmaking, included a cutting-edge variation to this late 17^th century invention – the “Jaquemart”. Jaquemarts are beautifully animated figures set into the dial which move in sync with the activated minute repeater, contributing to the storyline of the timepiece. The jaquemarts in the Minute Repeater Carnival of Venice depict two figures in front of the Rialto Bridge on the famed Grand Canal. Both figures wear masks, evoking the festive Carnival of Venice. When the watch’s minute repeater chimes the hours, quarters and minutes, the jaquemarts lift their masks.

At its heart, a Caliber UN-71 movement give this manual winding timepiece a 48-hour power reserve. The 42mm-diameter case houses a beautiful dial, enhanced by a rare enamel champlevé technique, a lost decorative art that is mastered by less than a handful of craftsman. A black leather strap with folding buckle complete the look. Only eighteen of this unique, limited-edition timepiece will be produced, in platinum (with the possibility of an 18-karat rose gold option).

The Carnival of Venice Minute Repeater model is reference 719-63. Photos courtesy Ulysse Nardin.