An Ocean of Expertise and Innovation

Image
An Ocean of Expertise and Innovation - Ulysse Nardin
4 minutes read
Presentation of the 2021 Geneva Watch Days novelties

It has been 175 years already since the adventure began for Ulysse Nardin! But who could have predicted in 1846, when young Ulysse opened his watchmaking workshop in Le Locle, the fabulous odyssey awaiting the company that now bears his name? And, above all, who could have imagined the exceptional influence of his timepieces throughout the world and across successive eras? Accompanied by his son, Paul-David, Ulysse Nardin rapidly established an outstanding reputation as a master of marine chronometers. Witness the numerous chronometry awards he received over the years and his tremendous success with some 50 marine corps, geodesy institutes and astronomical observatories. An exceptional heritage that the Le Locle-based company is particularly celebrating on the occasion of its 175th anniversary with seductive new versions of the Marine Torpilleur model.

Launched in 2017, the Marine Torpilleur line is the worthy descendant of the iconic Marine Chronometer. It owes its name to the small 19th century ships whose agility and speed made it possible at the time to counter larger naval units. This sophisticated, high-performance contemporary line is expanding its horizons this year with seven models incorporating Ulysse Nardin’s philosophy of excellence embodied in silicon technology, a heritage in the field of tourbillons and astronomy, high-precision chronographs, enameling craftsmanship, and aesthetic creativity.

Un océan de savoir-faire et d’innovations

Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu

Case: pink gold, sapphire back, water-resistant to 50m
Diameter: 42mm
Movement: mechanical self-winding (Manufacture caliber UN-128, 60h power reserve)
Functions: hours, minutes, flying tourbillon, power reserve
Dial: black Grand Feu enamel
Strap: black alligator leather, R-Strap compatible or rubber strap
Limited Edition: 175

Un océan de savoir-faire et d’innovations

Marine Torpilleur Panda

Case: steel, sapphire back, water-resistant to 50m
Diameter: 42mm
Movement: mechanical self-winding (Manufacture UN-118 caliber, COSC certified, 60h power reserve)
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date
Dial:: white varnished, Panda-style
Strap: brown or blue alligator leather, R-Strap compatible, rubber or metal bracelet
Limited Edition:: 300

Among the watches composing this incredible armada unveiled in September on the occasion of the Geneva Watch Days, the blue Marine Torpilleur Grand Feu Enamel highlights the impressive mastery of the most demanding enameling techniques exercised by the Donzé Cadrans workshop, an independent company based in Le Locle and acquired by Ulysse Nardin in 2011. In addition to a magnificent blue enamel dial produced using the “Grand Feu” technique, this timepiece produced in a 175-piece limited edition is distinguished by its codes inherited from the first designs imagined by Ulysse Nardin: cathedral hands, Roman numerals and a 60-hour power-reserve indication, all of which are driven by a COSC-certified self-winding Manufacture movement equipped with a silicon balancespring. Also produced in a run of 75, the Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu likewise highlights enameling expertise on the black dial, providing an ideal backdrop for the majestic patented UN flying tourbillon with constant escapement that won the Tourbillon Prize at the 2015 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.

Un océan de savoir-faire et d’innovations

Marine Torpilleur Moon Phase

Case: steel, sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 50m
Diameter: 42mm
Movement: mechanical self-winding (Manufacture UN-119 caliber, COSC certified, 60h power reserve)
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, moon phase
Dial: PVD-treated sunburst blue or white varnish
Strap: blue or brown alligator leather, R-Strap compatible, rubber or metal bracelet
Limited Edition: 30

Un océan de savoir-faire et d’innovations

A perfect blend of precision and elegance, the 300-piece limited edition Marine Torpilleur Panda also raises anchor, revealing two small dark blue sub-dials inside a white dial (one for the power reserve, the other for the small seconds and date), an unprecedented design at Ulysse Nardin. This magnificent fleet is rounded off by a moon-phase model produced in two 300- piece versions and an annual chronograph also available in two 300-piece models. The latter are reminiscent of the pocket chronograph watches produced by the Manufacture between 1936 and 1980, measuring time with 1/10th of a second precision and affirming Ulysse Nardin’s stature as a master of chronometry – since 1846!

Un océan de savoir-faire et d’innovations

Marine Torpilleur Chronograph

Case: steel, sapphire back, water-resistant to 50m
Diameter: 44mm
Movement: mechanical self-winding (Manufacture UN-153 caliber, 52h power reserve)
Functions:: hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph, annual calendar
Dial: PVD-treated matt blue or white varnish
Strap: blue or brown alligator leather, R-Strap compatible
Limited Edition: 300

Un océan de savoir-faire et d’innovations

Marine Torpilleur Blue Grand Feu Enamel


Case: steel, sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 50m
Diameter: 42mm 
Movement: mechanical self-winding (Manufacture UN-118 caliber, COSC certified, 60h power reserve)
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date
Dial: : blue Grand Feu enamel
Strap: blue or brown alligator leather, R-Strap compatible, rubber strap or metal bracelet
Limited Edition: 175

Cast off the moorings

Two years after unveiling the Marine Mega Yacht in platinum, Ulysse Nardin is once again raising anchor with a spectacular pink gold variation ready to sail the seven seas. A watchmaking allegory of a maritime voyage aboard a prestigious contemporary ship, this futuristic-looking creation highlights the technical nature of fine mechanics. Its front makes numerous allusions to the world of navigation, starting with its flying tourbillon equipped with a cage inspired by a latest-generation propeller and its Grand Feu enameled 3D dial evoking the prow of a ship ploughing through the ocean. Because it presides over the force of the tides, the moon is also invited onto the dial through an exact 3D representation featuring a laser-engraved surface perfectly in keeping with the original. This is composed of two half-spheres, the first treated with blue PVD for the new moon period, the other rhodium-plated to simulate its appearance when lit up by the sun. A tide indicator and a display of its amplitude complete the vibrant picture of which the visual power is reinforced by an extremely original power-reserve indication by means of an anchor complete with a miniature winch positioned at 12 o’clock. The ‘motorization’ of the Marine Mega Yacht is naturally as powerful as it is efficient. Behind the scenes yet visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, the UN-631 hand-wound Manufacture movement evokes a real model engine room. The perfect metaphor for a modern-day maritime epic, right down to the smallest detail.

Featured brand