Ulysse Nardin: Bold Craftsmanship, Unconventional Art

Founded in 1846, Ulysse Nardin has long been a pioneer in the world of horology, combining Swiss craftsmanship with a spirit of innovation. Known for pushing the boundaries of timekeeping, Ulysse Nardin was one of the earliest adopters of silicon technology, which revolutionized precision and durability in watchmaking. This cutting-edge material, featured prominently in their famed Freak series, is just one example of the brand’s commitment to technical excellence.

Over the years, Ulysse Nardin has continually surprised the horological world with avant-garde designs and intricate mechanical complications. Their Freak collection, a marvel of modern engineering, completely redefines how time is displayed by forgoing traditional hands and dials. Meanwhile, collections like the Marine and Diver series celebrate the brand’s deep-rooted maritime heritage, symbolized by its iconic anchor logo.

Ulysse Nardin’s dedication to craftsmanship and bold creativity makes them a favorite among free-spirited watch enthusiasts. Today, the brand continues to shape the future of luxury watchmaking, blending tradition with disruptive innovations that capture the imagination of collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.

Ulysse Nardin History

In 1846, at just 23 years old, Ulysse Nardin established his namesake watch company in Le Locle, Switzerland. This luxury watch brand became renowned for its precision marine chronometers, earning international recognition with awards such as the 1862 "Prize Medal" at the London International Exhibition. This recognition was awarded in the category of "complicated watches" for Nardin's excellence in crafting pocket chronometers.

The brand's history took a pivotal turn in 1983 during the quartz crisis when it was acquired by visionary Rolf W. Schnyder. In 1985, the Astrolabium Galileo Galilei was unveiled, an astronomical clock that entered the Guinness Book of Records for its remarkable functions.

In 1989, Ulysse Nardin launched the San Marco, the first jacquard minute repeater wristwatch, inspired by Schnyder's visit to Venice. The brand further cemented its reputation for innovation with the groundbreaking Marine Chronometer 1846 in 1996, commemorating its 150th anniversary. The launch of the Freak in 2001, a watch without hands or a dial, redefined contemporary watchmaking and showcased Ulysse Nardin’s forward-thinking craftsmanship. In 2016, Ulysse Nardin celebrated its 170th anniversary, marking significant milestones in its history. That year also highlighted 15 years since the launch of the groundbreaking Freak collection and 20 years of the Marine Chronometer collection.

Popular Ulysse Nardin Watches

Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer 43mm Steel Ref. 1183-126

This model reflects Ulysse Nardin’s maritime legacy, featuring a 43mm stainless steel case and a sleek white dial. The watch is powered by the automatic Caliber UN-118 movement, ensuring exceptional accuracy with a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock. On the pre-owned market, it trades for approximately S$5,779.

Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronograph 44mm Steel Blue Dial Ref. 1503-151

Bold and sporty, the Diver Chronograph from Ulysse Nardin features a striking blue dial housed in a durable 44mm stainless steel case. This model is water-resistant up to 300 meters, making it ideal for both professional divers and everyday wear. The chronograph functions, coupled with the unidirectional rotating bezel, offer enhanced utility. This piece trades for S$9,085 on the pre-owned market.

Ulysse Nardin Freak X Black Dial Ref. 2303-270-03

A revolutionary piece, the Freak X redefines timekeeping with its unique design, where the movement itself displays the time. It features no hands or dial, using a flying carousel movement to indicate the hours and minutes. The 43mm black titanium case adds to its futuristic appeal, while the UN-230 movement provides a 72-hour power reserve. On the pre-owned market, the Freak X trades for around S$24,131, a remarkable deal considering its original retail price of S$36,000.

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