This year, Ulysse Nardin has closely interlinked the development of its concept watch with the very cause supported by Only Watch: research into neurodegenerative diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The inspiration was taken from one of the EPFL’s research group which is working on a technological device named
Autonomyo used to help people with motor impairments to move, better known as exoskeleton.
Autonomyo is an exoskeleton that meets multiple challenges. In order to allow total freedom of movement, it features 6 motorized axes at the hips and knees, as well as 6 passive axes at the ankles. The exoskeleton allows the user to make complex movements far beyond a robotic walk.
The EXO-Skeleton X is a direct reference to these futuristic motorized devices in general, and Autonomyo in particular. By developing this exceptional piece and incorporating a “watchmaking exoskeleton”, the Ulysse Nardin teams wanted to show the sufferers of this disease their full support.
“The exoskeleton theme was a unanimous decision. We were determined to establish a strong link between the timepiece and its purpose. This is a cause close to our hearts and we wanted to express that through the EXO-Skeleton X. The passion instilled in this timepiece by Ulysse Nardin’s watchmakers and designers is testament to the deep commitment of the President and members of the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy to the advancement of research into these degenerative diseases,” says Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Ulysse Nardin.