The Extraordinary Collections of Ulysse Nardin
By Amanda Evans | 5 minute read
From its beginnings in 1846, visionary Ulysse Nardin made it his ambition to make precision marine chronometers. Nardin achieved just that and more, and to this day the name Ulysse Nardin is emblematic of the term “Haute Horlogerie” with countless awards and recognition for innovation and revolutionary watchmaking firsts.
Whilst we live in a world driven by technology, Ulysse Nardin shows no fear. As a leader of revolutionary techniques and extraordinary craftsmanship, Ulysse Nardin has become a pioneer of Haute Horlogerie, leading the way in innovation to achieve watchmaking perfection and create the unimaginable. This attitude has been embraced by Ulysse Nardin since the brand designed the first ever marine chronometer in 1846. As one of the few brands producing its own movements and high-precision components, Ulysse Nardin has earned membership to the exclusive Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie for its exceptional level of watch craftsmanship and excellence. By attempting the seemingly impossible, Ulysse Nardin continues to illustrate that the impossible can be achieved.
DIVER COLLECTION
The Ulysse Nardin Diver collection is perhaps best known as the brand’s flagship collection and encapsulates the essence of exploration. Effortlessly stylish and unique in their design, the Diver collection includes models for both men and women and features a selection of beautifully crafted limited-edition chronographs. Crafted to withstand almost anything, these beautiful timepieces are available in a choice of materials with fabric, alligator, stainless-steel and rubber strap watches forming part of the collection. The eye-catching designs are a stunning fusion of bold innovation and striking aesthetics and will ensure that you stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons.
Made for all types of adventures, the Diver Chronometer is water resistant to 300 metres and contains the manufacture UN-118 movement. This sporty yet contemporary timepiece was made for the modern-day Ulysses.Heather Grant, Specialist Watch Buyer
MARINE COLLECTION
The Ulysse Nardin Marine collection has a heritage rooted in nautical tradition and pays tribute to the high precision marine chronometers from times gone by. Endorsed by 55 navies worldwide, this precision navigation instrument has been awarded 4,324 certifications for excellence in chronometry. Drawing inspiration from the movement of the ocean and symbolic of its beauty and power, the collection harnesses function and style. Each striking timepiece is an exceptional masterpiece of timekeeping, on land or at sea, with an in-house crafted movement with anti-magnetic, Silicium technology for ultimate accuracy. Aesthetically the collection incorporates many of the design features historically found on antique marine chronometers such as the layout and style of the dial.
Classic and sophisticated in style, the Marine Torpilleur is a perfect timepiece for any collection. Inspired by Ulysse Nardin's rich heritage of the deep depths of the oceans, the Roman numerals and chronometer signature embody technical exploration and precision, all inspired by the first chronometer made by Ulysse Nardin back in 1846.
EXECUTIVE COLLECTION
With an instantly recognisable bold design, the Executive collection combines contemporary design with unrivalled functionality. Despite the aesthetic intricacy of some of the models, with their exemplary design and skeleton dials that reveal the inner beauty of the timepiece, these watches are by no means intimidating. The collection highlights the ongoing innovation and air of confidence embraced by this luxury Swiss brand.
Updated in 2020 with a new edge of sophistication, the Executive Dual Time has quickly made its mark as a best seller within the collection. Set within a 42mm case size and available on either rubber or alligator strap, the rectangle that integrates the dial draws focus to the window at 9 o'clock with your 'home time' which can be easily set with the pushers in the opposite side of the case.
FREAK COLLECTION
The Freak collection is an extraordinary collection from Ulysse Nardin that pushes the boundaries of ‘normality’ and transforms the appearance of the traditional watch dial to create a striking avant-garde design that does not compromise on performance. Both the crown and hands are removed from the watch dial of the Freak collection, with the time being displayed by a rotating movement. With no dial and no hands, this collection is an extraordinary and ambitious illustration of Haute Horlogerie. Combining disruptive design with mechanical expertise, this is the perfect representation of Ulysse Nardin’s success in achieving the seemingly impossible.
If there’s one brand that’s guaranteed to keep you excited about the art of high-end watchmaking each and every time you roll your wrist to check the time, it is surely Ulysse Nardin.Mark Toulson, Head of Watch Buying
Explore more Ulysse Nardin creations here at Mappin & Webb.
