- Source:
- Ulysse Nardin
- Tags:
- Bushido / Cool / Ganryu / Japan / Japanese Literature / Katana / Miyamoto Mushashi / Samourai / Samurai / Sasaki Kojiro / Swiss / Swords / Ulysse Nardin / Watches / Wrist Watch
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In recent years, Japan has experienced a bit of a boom in popularizing the culture, or at least the aesthetic appeal, of its historical swords. Katana-themed hairpins and letter openers make for fun souvenirs, and recently a Katana-themed cafe even opened up in Tokyo.
Swiss watch manufacturer Ulysse Nardin may be riding the peak of that sword wave, however, with a new luxury watch that depicts Japan's most famous and storied samurai duel--the legendary Miyamoto Musashi versus his prodigy rival, Sasaki Kojiro on Ganryu island. The hour-striking watch is dubbed the CLASSIC SAMOURAÏ, and is equipped with a rare automatic hourly striking mechanic (also able to be set to half an hour), which allows for the two Jaquemarts samurai duel each time the hammer hits the gong.
18 carat Rose Gold
Source: Ulysse Nardin
Platinum
Source: Ulysse Nardin
The hand-sculpted 18-piece collection is available in 18 carat rose gold (with sapphire crystals) or platinum embellishments, and make use of a design that uses a ukiyo-e style illustration while capturing the spirit of the famous duel. If you aren't familiar, Ulysse Nardin provides some background information in a press release:
On the left-hand side of the dial, recognizable by his two swords–one short and the other long–is Miyamoto Musashi, the most famous Japanese warrior of the 17th century, who fought more than sixty times in his life. The author of Gorin No Sho, a text on strategy featuring reflections on combat and the art of swordsmanship, he and his life were made popular through a famous novel and numerous films. On the right is Sasaki Kojiro, his long-standing rival, considered the best opponent that Musashi had ever faced and who died during the duel of 1612, portrayed here, on the island of Ganryu. Legend says that Musashi, a great strategist, arrived late and by sea in order to throw off his adversary and thus make sure he had the sun at his back and not in his face.
Source: Ulysse Nardin
Source: Ulysse Nardin
The 30m waterproof watches are available from Ulysse Nardin, although in a limited batch quantity with the Rose Gold variety having a recommended retail price of 99,000 CHF (99,752 USD), so these are for deep-pocketed samurai only.