LongIslandStyle » timepiece Trends

Ulysse Nardin’s The Freak Diavolo

maddaloni — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 11:00:35 +0000

An evolution of the iconic Freak – a game changer in haute horology – the Freak Diavolo follows in its predecessor’s footsteps, showcasing unrivaledadvancements in technology, materials and design.Ulysse Nardin, the Swiss watchmaker acclaimed for its thousands of “firsts” in watchmaking, takes the lead in ingenuity, once again with the new Freak Diavolo, a progression of the groundbreaking 2001 Freak.®, Freak Diamond Heart and Freak Blue Phantom – the Freak Diavolo pays tribute to the original Freak’s pioneering spirit by expanding its use of silicium and taking its tourbillon to new heights. Named after its devilish-in-appearance power-reserve backing, with its red “horns” and black cloak-like backdrop, the Freak Diavolo is the cleverest of timepiece creations. Case in point, silicium is used in its hairspring (Si 1.1.1. patent pending) and throughout the majority of its escapement – the heart and most delicate part of the watch. Through the introduction of silicium in the original Freak, Ulysse Nardin transformed haute horology manufacturing and continues to perfect the use of this technologically advanced material with the Freak Diavolo. Performance is further amplified through its application of cutting-edge technology, such as photolithography. And, the Freak Diavolo reveals another development in the Freak family — a flying tourbillon that indicates the seconds, as well as two new ball-bearing systems and a balance-wheel concept and design.

The Freak Diavolo’s frequenc y of 4 Hz (28’800 A/h) in association with its 8 mg*cm2 inertia balance wheel make this instrument exceptional, as no other tourbillon is regulated by such a powerful oscillator and benefits from such a long power reserve (more than eight days). This enables the Freak Diavolo’s tourbillon carrousel to provide a superior level of accuracy akin to a mechanical chronometer. Its outstanding performance is the result of the perfect application of new technologies, such as photolithography, and the use of the best and latest-developed materials, like silicium and LIGA nickel, at core locations. 2

Power Reserve more than 8 days, slip-springIts tourbillon carrousel (developed entirely in-house) does one complete rotation around the center in 60 minutes.

Ulysse Nardin’s expertise in watchmaking is further exemplified by the Freak Diavolo’s seconds indicator, which is nothing else than a flying tourbillon replacing the usual oscillator of the other members of the Freak family. Its cage is equipped with an arrow indicating the seconds on a transparent half-circle, rotating in one minute on itself, with the zero position holding steady on the axis of the minute indicator.

The two specially conceived ball bearing systems enable the “flying” function of the minute movement and of the seconds-indicator tourbillon without the need for a supporting bridge.

So simple and user-friendly, the Freak Diavolo can be wound by turning the lower bezel, and the time can be adjusted by turning the upper bezel; while the direct gear link crafted between the three “hands” averts dephasing, or the throwing of hours, minutes and seconds out of step when adjusting or readjusting time.

Not only brilliant in function, the Freak Diavolo is also stunning in aesthetic with its clean lines, robust black and charcoal tones, accents of vibrant color, 18-karat, white gold case and elegant crocodile strap. The Freak Diavolo is the ultimate symbol of unwavering imagination and unusual style, staying true to the inventive character that defines the Freak timepiece collection.

Technical data.

Frequency 4Hz (28’800 A/h)

Moment of inertia 8 mg*cm2, adjusting over 4 screws.

Hairspring Silicium, exclusive Ulysse Nardin design.

Escapement right-angle lever, silicium, non lubricated.

Tourbillon 1 revolution in 1minute.

Orbite 1 revolution in one hour.

Winding Manual winding over the bezel on the back of the case. 1 full rotation is equivalent to 12 hours of power reserve. Time setting forward and backward over the bezel. Case 18-karat white gold, water-resistant.

JCK Interview With Mr. Maddaloni

maddaloni — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:53:46 +0000

By Jennifer Heebner

This story appears in the JCK Magazine.

Retail Details: Maddaloni Jewelers’ Lou Maddaloni

The watch man on Swiss tourbillons, Florida sushi, and Long Island guys’ nights out

1. What’s your most memorable sale and why?

A few months back, a client of mine expressed interest in buying a very special timepiece by Ulysse Nardin. So I arranged a visit to its U.S. head quarters in Boca Raton, Fla. The customer suggested we fly down on his private jet. Then, Ulysse Nardin was nice enough to welcome us with a sushi lunch and a private viewing of their spectacular timepieces. It was during that visit that my client purchased a limited edition royal blue tourbillon set with round diamonds and blue baguette-cut sapphires for $400,000, as well as a few others.

2. What’s the best idea you’ve come up with for your store?

We recently instituted a watch collectors club that meets two to three times per year. At the meetings, we host a five-course dinner in the store—with tablecloths and silverware—and have [representatives of ] a featured watch brand come and speak, bring in their newest products, and talk about limited editions and introductions for the year ahead. It’s kind of a guys’ night (we have cigars). The club fosters the interests of watch collectors and connects them to others who share their passion.

3. When you walk through your front door, what do you like most about your store?

I have to say that when I come into the store every morning, I look forward to the people I work with. The Mad daloni team is dedicated to giving each customer a positive experience. Customer retention has been a key to the success of my business.

4. How do you differentiate your store from the competition?

We are passionate about watches. Maddaloni can converse about the finer points—like swan-neck gaskets underneath screw heads—of models we don’t even stock. Sometimes we know more about models than the brand representatives or stores that do carry them. We also write down everything—any and all information the customer gives, from their pets to the type of car they drive—on a job envelope. Even the most mundane information can be a tool to use in a future sale.

5. What was your finest hour in customer service?

We had a customer buying a particularly complicated platinum limited-edition perpetual-calendar pocket watch, which also happened to be the last one available in the world! In the midst of the sale, it became evident there was a screw loose inside the watch; the head of the screw had actually broken off inside. Since we have a Swiss-trained timepiece technician on premises, we were able—in the span of a few short hours—to disassemble the watch, remove the screw, and fabricate a new one from scratch, right there in the store. The watchmaker then reassembled the watch, and Maddaloni delivered the piece, a $102,000 sale, in time for the owner’s dinner plans that night. If that watch had had to go back to the manufacturer, it would have been sent back to Switzerland and would have taken four to six months to repair.

Timepiece Maintenance…..A Must

maddaloni — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:15:07 +0000

All fine timepieces require routine maintenance and servicing. Most overhauls last 3 to 4 years simply due to the longevity of the oils used for lubrication inside the movement. When the oil lubricants begin to dry up the moving parts of the mechanisms begin to produce friction, which cause the parts to breakdown, affecting the accuracy of the watch. If your mechanical watch is running more than 2 to 3 minutes fast or slow it may be time for an overhaul. Make sure your watchmaker:
-Completely disassembles the watch in order to clean, oil, and time, using state of the art equipment
-Cleans all moving parts with specialized cleaning solvents. Properly lubricates with only the highest-grade lubricants and oils .
-Tests for accuracy. Your watch should be tested with perfect timing over period of 72 hours to assure accuracy, water resistance, and proper operation of all functionality.

Maintenance of a fine timepiece will ensure the integrity and precision intended for watch.

Welcome U-Boat! The Hottest Trend In Horology Today

maddaloni — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 16:42:38 +0000

Created in 1942 but only coming to light in 2002 the U-boat watch line took the watch world by storm! Seen on the wrists of celebrities around the globe, it has been the must have watch in recent years.

Flightdeck

U-Boat Flightdeck watch, features Swiss ETA 6497 movement Oversized 50mm steel case as well as the crown designed on the left side combined with black dial and yellow index.

Arnold Schwarzenegger wearing the FlightDeck

Ever since hip-hop started the “fit as many diamonds on it as you can” trend, large-faced watches have been catching our attention. Owning a timpiece like this is eye-catching and fashion forward. Dominate with style, leave the bling behind.

Sylvester Stallone wearing the FlightDeck

Flightdeck 18K Gold $24,892

Case: Solid 18k Yellow Gold, 50mm. Dial: Black with white hands and markers, luminous with superluminova, fumè glass.

Jon Bonjovi with Goofy wearing the 18kt FlightDeck