This here is a really cool watch that blends watch making prowess, a jeweler’s practicality, and manly looks. Ulysse Nardin never likes ‘just’ releasing luxury watches. There always needs to be some special twist that makes them special. Your first hint at this fact is in the name of this watch; “Macho.” Looking at it, you sort of have to agree. The oval face and aggressive hands are rather macho. There is something defiant in the look of this watch, although you can’t seem to place your finger on it. What you are looking at is inflated proportions that create a fantasy like watch that is finely detailed and perfectly practical.

Calling it “Macho” is more of a playing naming scheme, and goes along with Ulysse Nardin’s character. Other watches they have bear names like “Freak.” The next part of the name is Palladium 950, which refers to a special type of Palladium metal used. You’ll notice that new metals are used in their pure form in watch and jewelry making. Instead, countless alloys are used and created for literally thousands of niche purposes. Then there are those alloys that are so good, they can enjoy broad use. One such alloy is grade 316L steel, which is used on high quality steel watches. There is also Palladium 950.

Palladium is a metal similar to platinum, but a bit more workable and has different properties. The “950” refers to how pure the palladium is, and in this form it is very pure. Here is some information on just what makes Palladium 950 so good for watch case and jewelry use.

“Why 950 Palladium?
Palladium, a platinum group metal was first used for jewelry when platinum was declared a strategic metal and reserved for military use in 1939. Developing palladium alloys for jewelry typically contain 95 percent palladium and about 5 percent ruthenium and have trace amounts of other metals that are proprietary to their developers. These new 950 palladium alloys are:

* White
* Noble
* Malleable
* Lightweight
* Hypoallergenic
* Easy to finish and polish
* Do not require rhodium plating
* Have desirable, platinum-like setting and forming characteristics

The specific gravity of 950 palladium is close to that of 14-karat white gold and nearly half the weight by volume of platinum. At the time of this writing, the daily market price of platinum was $892.00, gold was $440.00 while palladium was listed at $182.00 per ounce. The lightness of the 950 palladium alloys and pricing considerations, make them prime candidates for use in the creation of a broad spectrum of fashionably affordable as well as classically influenced jewelry designs.”

As you can see, Palladium 950 has a lot of advantages to other metals of a similar look, and is now often being use on wedding bands. While new to the watch world, Ulysse Nardin found it to be a good metal to name a watch after. The Entire case of the Macho Palladium 950 (and bracelet) is constructed of Palladium 950. The result is something with a beautiful white finish, that is light, and feels nice to the touch.

Functionally, the Ulysse Nardin Macho Palladium 950 contains the Ulysse Nardin UN27 automatic mechanical movement that has been COSC certified to be a Chronometer. The movement’s functions include a small seconds display, date, and power reserve. Important information that is well laid out on the dial. I especially like the minimally sized power reserve indicator that is still highly functional. The hands are broad and effective. And the texture layering on the dial is effective in making the watch a noticeable and respective luxury wrist companion. One thing I really like is the polished metal ring in the date window. As the date dial is inset a bit, the inner part of the date window from the dial to the disc is highly polished and adds an interesting effect.

There are a few versions of the watch in terms of dial colors and strap/bracelet options. Palladium dials as well as navy blue dials with various color mixtures. A Palladium 950 bracelet is available or a blue alligator strap with a soft leather lining. Size of the watch is 43mm wide and about 40mm high. A nice size, but not exactly “macho.” dimensions. Still a great looking timepiece. Retail prices are very high ($30k-$40k), but expect to find them for closer to $15,000 in most places.

Thanks to PuristSPro.com for one of the pictures.

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