Chronometer for the sea!

The new anniversary marine chronometer by Ulysee Nardin sets sail in the wake of the watches that made the brand’s name.

The Swiss manufacture Ulysse Nardin is not only known for its high-precision timepieces, based on remarkable technical innovations, but also for being deeply anchored in the sea world, since it was founded in 1846. To fittingly celebrate nine years of a partnership with the Monaco Yacht Show, the world’s biggest yacht exhibition that brings together yacht builders and fans, Ulysse Nardin has unveiled the Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar Monaco. This timepiece unashamedly hoists the sails in the tradition of the marine chronometers that have made the name of the Le Locle-based brand.

The DNA of the Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar Monaco contains all its seafaring roots. The white lacquered dial with its blue Roman numeral indices evokes the Monaco Yacht Show, a homage repeated in the inscription “Monaco 2017” on the dial, as well as the dates of the event (27, 28, 29 and 30) and the month of September, shown in blue, instead of black, on the date disc. The calibre UN-113 is at work inside the watch, with a spiral movement and a silicon escapement, entirely made at Ulysse Nardin, in the Le Locle workshop. It can be used to set the time and the calendar both forward and back.

Equipped with a 43mm stainless steel case, the Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar Monaco features a fluted bevel and a rubberised screw-down crown. As a result, it is at ease in deep underwater descents down to 100 metres. Ulysse Nardin has produced a remarkable annual calendar, together with a power reserve of 60 hours. Easy to use and with an undeniable aesthetic appeal, this timepiece is the exploit of the watchmaker Ludwig Oechslin, who has made simplicity his philosophy of life.

Price: 9,900 CHF

By Isabelle Guignet

A TORPEDO ON YOUR WRIST

Lighter and slimmer than Ulysse Nardin’s star Marine Chronometer model, the new Marine Torpilleur has all the assets it needs to win over quality watch enthusiasts.

Ulysse Nardin was inspired by 19^th century pocket watches for naval officers and ship captains as well as its own contemporary Marine Chronometer to design the new Marine Torpilleur. This blend of styles has gone into making a lightweight, slim, easy-to-wear watch at a relatively affordable price (the least expensive is around 7000 EUR).

There are three versions of the Marine Torpilleur including two metals (steel and rose gold), two dial colours (pure white and petrol blue) and two strap types (alligator-style leather and steel links).

The new model by Ulysse Nardin may be named after a speedy little warship armed with torpedoes to sink enemy ships and submarines but it has no ties to violence of any kind. The torpedo boat’s agility and flexibility are all that have gone into the watch.

Both the white and blue dial have large black or white Roman hour numerals. Two blue or silver pear-shape hands in the middle track the hours and minutes whilst the seconds counter lies off-centre at 6 surrounded by a white date display. Another counter at 12 features the power reserve (60 hours) fuelled by the self-winding and COSC-certified UN-118 calibre.

Price: 6,900 CHF (steel) – 7,600 CHF (steel on steel) – 17,000 CHF (rose gold)

By Sharmila Bertin

A NON-TRADITIONAL CLASSIC

Although Ulysse Nardin prides itself on being a relatively avant-garde brand, it still has the sense of tradition in its genes. Technically and often aesthetically innovative, it has still kept a respect for ancestral watchmaking expertise. An embodiment of the brand’s homage to the era that inspired the modern timepiece is the new Classic Dual Time Enamel model.

This edition limited to 99 pieces and only available from Ulysse Nardin outlets skilfully blends cutting-edge technology and traditional craftsmanship. The dial displays a modern aesthetic in some of its features (date, home time and mode selector), which delicately stand out against the more “timeless” aesthetic features (‘Grand Feu’ enamel, Roman numerals, leaf-shaped hands).

Like most of the brand’s dials, the Classic Dual Time Enamel dial was made by Donzé Cadrans, a subsidiary of the Ulysse Nardin group. The disc, coated with ivory-coloured ‘Grand Feu’ enamel, houses an hour rim featuring slender Roman numerals, while a minute track runs around the chapter ring. These black elements set up a strong contrast with the ecru colour of the enamel, a contrast also resulting from the pair of hour and minute hands showing the local time. The seconds are displayed in a large subdial at 6 o’clock. A small window at 9 o’clock shows the home time and the date is given in a double counter at 2 o’clock. At 3 o’clock, a cone-shaped indicator is linked to the selector controlling the crown, so that the user can set the time and date without pulling out the crown.

The 42mm-wide case of the Classic Dual Time Enamel has two monopushers on the sides, at 8 and 10 o’clock, making it easy to set the second time zone in both directions. This steel setting contains the calibre UN-324, a self-winding movement equipped with a silicon escapement, and providing a power reserve of 48 hours.

Price: 12,900 CHF

By Sharmila Bertin

THE MECHANICAL AWAKENING

The great specialist in marine instruments has released a wrist watch with a mechanical alarm function that is both aesthetically simple and easy to use, and endowed with useful functions operating between two time zones

Far from the hysterical tumult or strident cries emanating from electronic alarm clocks to be found on most beside tables, the Ulysse Nardin provides far more poetry to wake you up in the morning – a totally mechanical, but melodious way to open your eyes and get ready for a new day, when the cathedral-like tone of the Classic Sonata sounds.

This new model made by Ulysse Nardin is available in two versions measuring 44mm in diameter. The first watch has a pink gold case, with warm reflections blending with the wonderful deep black colour adorning the dial. The second version, meanwhile, has a more traditional and simpler allure, including a steel setting and a silvered opaline face.

Each dial contains the same three-dimensional settings, setting the different displays apart, while providing a feeling of depth. A band running around the chapter ring includes hour markers with blue or golden applied indices, depending on the Classic Sonata model chosen. In the centre, two leaf-shaped hands display the hours and minutes, while the second hand also ticks away in the centre. The large date is displayed in a double counter at 4 o’clock. As for the alarm function, it has its own counter between 12 and 2 o’clock, with the centre taken up by a sort of twelve-hour countdown, so the alarm can be set for the morning or evening. A cone-shaped indicator at 10 o’clock shows whether the alarm function is on or off. And lastly, a sub-dial at 6 o’clock displays a second time zone, which will come in handy for globe-trotters who like mechanical timepieces.

The Classic Sonata duo are powered by the same movement, the UN-67 calibre. This automatic mechanical movement, equipped with a silicon escapement, provides a power reserve of 42 hours.

Price: 24 800 CHF (steel) – 42 800 CHF (pink gold)

By Sharmila Bertin

WATCHMAKING, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND MANICURE

The watchmaker based in Le Locle highlights its skills in guilloché work, enamelling and gem-setting with a trio of watches in the Jade collection.

For once, Ulysse Nardin has steered us away from the world of marine instruments, a world it has made its own for over a century and a half. Instead, the watchmaker from Le Locle, Switzerland, has taken us in a distinctly feminine direction. The destination is called Jade, and has nothing to do with the green gem, but concerns the timekeeper collection created in 2013. This year, a colourful trio of Jade “Grand Feu“ has joined the ranks of this prestigious family.

With these three new watches, Ulysse Nardin has highlighted the craftsmanship of Donzé Cadrans, which is part of the same group. Before the watch is covered with pigmented enamel, it is carefully traced with a guilloché technique, creating undulating furrows, like waves – so the world of the sea is not so far away, after all! – starting from the centre and extending to the chapter ring. The Grand Feu enamelling technique involves the metal being placed in fire several times (between 800 and 900°C) to obtain an even and shining surface of a blue turquoise, ruby red or grey green colour, depending on the version chosen. As well as the guilloché tracing and enamelling, the faces of the Jade “Grand Feu” watch are set with diamonds. A metal arabesque pattern containing 22 diamonds gracefully embraces the second counter, beginning at 9 o’clock and finishing at 6 o’clock under the date display. At the heart of the watch face arise two openwork hands showing the hours and the minutes; they move across an hour rim partly made up of large silver Arabic numerals. The second hand has similar features, and only part of the markers are displayed.

These functions are powered by the UN-310 calibre, which provides a power reserve of 48 hours. This automatic mechanism is housed in an oval case measuring 36x39mm. The case is topped by a ring of 56 diamonds. We have a little tip so you don’t damage your fingernails or chip off some nail polish when you are handling the crown. With the help of a pusher placed at 4 o’clock on the side of the watch case, you can select one of the three positions that are usually adjusted using a traditional crown. An indicator equipped with a small hand and placed at 2 o’clock shows this position, and then you just need to turn the crown, without pulling it, to wind the watch or adjust the time and the date.

Price: 14,900 CHF

By Sharmila Bertin

THE FLAMBOYANCE OF THE ROOSTER

To celebrate moving to the Year of the Rooster at the end of January, Ulysse Nardin is offering a version of his Classico model with a galliform bird crafted in champlevé enamel

The Chinese horoscope, which has a particular importance mainly in Asia but also in Europe consists of twelve astrological cycles embodied by twelve animals. The end of the month of January 2017, the 28^th to be precise, will mark the beginning of a new cycle, that of the Fire Rooster. According to Chinese astrology, this new year will be marked by success and triumph achieved by hard work, continued perseverance and iron discipline. Traditionally, each year Ulysse Nardin presents a limited series of timepieces with the animal featured in the horoscope pictured on the dial. After the Classico Goat in 2015, then the Classico Monkey in 2016, the watchmaker from the Locle in Switzerland has designed the Classico Rooster, issuing only 88, since 8 is a lucky number in China.

The dial of the Classico Rooster model has been created in champlevé enamel by Donzé Cadrans, a company belonging to the Ulysse Nardin group. This disc, previously hollowed out with a burin tool to create indentations that are then enamelled, baked, then polished to bring out the silhouette of the rooster and the background, made up of blue thistles and pebbles. Here the bird is pictured with a greyish white head and hackles, topped with a carmine-red comb, ear-lobe and wattle. His breast, back and abdomen, as well as his lesser and main sickle feathers, are in petrol-blue enamel, getting close to black or blue-green in certain areas of the plumage. The feathers at the base of the tail and the thighs have a delicate shading which starts as navy blue and gradually lightens towards white.

It is over the largest area – the wing of the bird – that a couple of hands appear. Curved and leaf-shaped, golden and luminescent, they lie above a beaded hour marker that displays the hours and minutes. A seconds hand, also in the centre of the dial, shows the seconds.

The Classico Rooster timepiece is brought to life by the UN-815 calibre, a self-winding movement that is a COSC-certified chronometer providing a 42-hour power reserve, lying in the heart of the 40mm-diameter rose gold case.

Price on demand

 By Sharmila Bertin

SWEDISHOURS

Official partner of the Artemis Racing team, the Le Locle watchmaker proudly displays the colours of the Swedish flag on a limited edition chronograph.

A Swedish racing catamaran seems to fly over the waves, its sailing team guided by an Australian skipper and a Le Locle watchmaker renowned for its marine chronometers since 1846. Made by Ulysse Nardin, these are the three ingredients to the Diver Chronograph Artemis Racing’s recipe for success.

Formed by businessman, sailing amateur and multiple trophy winner Torbjörn Törqvist, the Swedish Artemis Racing team has been conquering the waves for ten years. A challenger in the 2017 and 35^th edition of the America’s Cup in Bermuda, Artemis Racing is counting on the support of Swiss watch brand Ulysse Nardin. And their partnership is based in part on the creation of 250 limited edition timepieces that proudly bear their Swedish colours.

The Diver Chronograph Artemis Racing sports a 45.8mm diameter steel case covered in protective navy blue rubber to protect the screwdown crown and chronograph pushers whilst the blue rubber surrounding the notched rotating bezel on this sturdy timepiece features a wave pattern evoking an ocean swell. On board, the UN-35 automatic calibre powers a plethora of chronograph functions and supplies a 42-hour power reserve. Guaranteed waterproof to 200m in depth, the screwdown case back features a steel medallion engraved with a silhouette of the Artemis Racing catamaran.

The blue dial on this Ulysse Nardin boasts a 3D reproduction of a regatta in full sail. In the centre, two large and luminescent openwork sword hands display hours and minutes, with a small second hand at 3 o’clock showing the hour. Also in the centre, a large second hand with a yellow tip tracks seconds. Sporting the stylized Greek goddess Artemis and bow logo representing the racing team, a counter at 9 o’clock tracks minutes as well. The name of the Swedish sailing team appears prominently in the centre of the hour counter at 3 o’clock whilst the aperture at 4:30 displays a perpetual calendar.

Price available upon request

By Sharmila Bertin

From Switzerland to the sea

Ulysse Nardin is famous for its pocket watches and has unveiled two new pieces from its star Marine Chronometer Manufacture collection.

Ulysse Nardin began designing marine chronometers in the late 19^th century during the boom in international maritime trade. Its goal was to ensure ships always arrived safe and sound. The invention of the high precision astronomical regulator enabled Ulysse Nardin to focus on designing pocket chronometers. The brand became famous for its chronometers over time and now, with 170 years of experience, it has unveiled two new heirs to the Marine Chronometer Manufacture collection.

The new models are fitted with the UN-118 calibre that’s made entirely in-house using cutting-edge materials such as silicone and DIAMonSIL. The movement brings together technological advances in the DIAMonSIL anchor escapement with the exclusive oscillator and patented Ulysse Nardin spring. The future-forward self-winding calibre fuels the 60-hour power reserve, hour, minute and small seconds hands. The dials feature a power reserve indicator at 12 and a small seconds counter at 6. The Roman hour numerals, cathedral hands and notched bezel on the stainless steel case are classic Marine Chronometer Manufacture features.

There are two versions of the 45mm chronometer. The first is classic yet contemporary with white markers and cherry red details on a blue sunburst dial. The second oozes marine chic in shiny white lacquer with blue numerals and hands. The Marine Chronometer Manufacture is waterproof to depths of 200m and has undergone thorough testing to get the COSC certification and Ulysse Nardin performance certificate.

Price: 9,800.000 EUR

By Inès Aloui

Ulysse Nardin, captain of the watch frigate.

The Le Locle-based watchmaker is celebrating its 8^th year as official sponsor of the Monaco Yacht Club with a limited edition chronograph.

The Principality of Monaco is a city state covering barely 2.02km² with a population of over 37,000. It lies 20km from Nice on the Côte d’Azur and has been ruled by Prince Albert II of Monaco for over a decade. The monarch is passionate about sailing and supports the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS), a one-of-a-kind exhibition that has brought together over 120 yachts in the Monaco port since 1991. The next event (September 28^th-October 1^st 2016) is epitomised by a design by the watchmaker Ulysse Nardin, an official partner of the MYS for 8 years.

The Le-Locle brand has unveiled a limited edition watch (100 available), the Diver Chronograph Monaco, whose colours and patterns bring to mind the blue and navy Mediterranean and the white and red Monaco flag. Monaco’s coat of arms is also engraved on the sapphire crystal caseback.

The 44mm steel case is waterproof to depths of 300m making it a perfect ally for water sports fans. It’s topped by a bidirectional notched bezel whose blue rubber ring is adorned by waves and a red minute track. The screwdown crown and pushers are also in rubber-coated steel.

Navy diamonds flood the blue dial surrounded by white markers shot through with red. The openwork hour and minute hands in the centre have the same design. The chronograph features are coated in red: central seconds hand, minute counter at 3 and hour counter at 6. The blue small seconds at 9 sink into the background whilst the 12-hour counter and date display lie at 6.

The self-winding mechanical UN-150 calibre fuels the functions and 48-hour power reserve.

Price: 12,500 CHF

By Sharmila Bertin

Introducing the Ulysse Nardin Classico Schooner America

The schooner called America won a sailing competition in 1851 that was renamed the America’s Cup six years later in honour of the famous ship. The race is soon to host its 35^th event making it the perfect time for Ulysse Nardin, partner of the Artemis Racing team, to unveil a limited gold edition (30 available) of the Classico Schooner America.

The cloisonné enamel dial sets the scene for a regatta near England’s Isle of Wight led by the schooner America. Two leaf-shape luminescent hour and minute hands burst from the middle of the miniature artwork with a central seconds hand all in silver or gold depending on the model. Dots of various sizes make for low-key time markers.

The time functions are fuelled by the self-winding UN-815 calibre in the 40mm rose or white gold case.

Price: 39,800 CHF (rose gold) – 42,900 (white gold)

By Sharmila Bertin