The Tourbillon Free Wheel debuted with the Caliber UN-176 three years ago in the Executive collection, and had two dials to choose from: one made of rough black slate and another with a smooth honeycomb grid and anti-reflective coating. The engineers managed to create an illusion that each part of the movement is independent from all the rest, which look as if they're "free-floating" in the air.
The caliber and the stylistically balanced approach to shaping its main components are what set it apart. The upper part of the dial is dominated by spherical components, while the lower part is where the bridges are, along with a boomerang-shaped power reserve indicator at 4 o'clock. The tourbillon at 6 o'clock has incorporated the revolutionary silicon Ulysse Nardin Anchor Escapement.
All of this has been kept in the new version of the model — the Sparkling Free Wheel. The sparkling version of the Tourbillon Free Wheel is completely covered with diamonds. The case and dial are encrusted with 2251 pavé stones. The diamond-setting technique known as “snow setting” has been used, which involves placing diamonds of different sizes as close together as possible to completely cover the surface and create an intriguing face.
The new decoration these models have received has transformed the clockwork masterpiece, which has doubled up as an exquisite piece of jewelry. The process of selecting and setting stones is now equally important. The diamond setting alone takes approximately 120 hours of meticulous work to complete for each watch. The selected diamonds are exceptionally clear — all VVS or VS with an F/G rating for purity and color.
The stones weigh a total of 5.90 carats. By the way, the physical clarity rating of the diamonds isn't the only thing the watchmaker cares about. The Kering Group which is Ulysse Nardin's parent company highlights that all their diamonds are certified as “conflict free" according to the Kimberley Process. This means that none of these stones have been unethically sourced. The Sparkling Free Wheel series is limited to just 8 pieces.