According to the Chinese astrological calendar, 22 January marks the entry into the year of the rabbit, the sign of the zodiac that brings peace, longevity and prosperity. Ulysse Nardin also welcomes it, decorating the dial of its Classico Rabbit manufactured by Donzé Cadran with an image of this animal and using age-old enamelling methods such as champlevé and cloisonné.
The champlevé technique involves engraving the dial by creating individual 'alveoli' which are then filled with enamel. The colours come from a careful mix of different metal oxides. The dial is fired until the enamel melts, then smoothed and polished when it cools. The final stage - which is also the most delicate - involves enriching the pattern by chiselling metal elements into the surface.
The cloisonné technique, on the other hand, consists of creating cells using a very fine gold wire to deposit the enamel with the utmost precision. Folding the gold wire alone takes up to 15 hours per dial.
Framing the dial of the Classic Rabbit is a 40 mm case in polished 5N rose gold, water-resistant to 50 metres. Inside is the automatic calibre UN-815, equipped with a 42-hour power reserve and visible through the sapphire crystal case back. Produced in a limited series of 88 pieces, the watch is on sale for €46,600.
