Making waves at the SIHH 2017 during their first appearance, Ulysse Nardin surprised everyone with their new Marine Tourbillon Grand Feu. Not only this new watch is stunning, but also, releasing a flying tourbillon of this caliber and quality priced under $30,000 USD is almost unfathomable. While many of you would say: "well there is the TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon Chronograph priced at $15,950"; ladies and gentleman, with all respect to TAG, their tourbillon is not in-house and not a flying one, furthermore a TAG is just a TAG. This is exactly why there are brand names and why the brand name that appears on the dial makes such a great difference at the end of the day. The new Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourbillon Grand Feu is an in-house watch with true artistry and technical prowess, that couldn't be priced any better and that we absolutely loved.
The Dial
Produced in-house at Le Locle, Switzerland, the new Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourbillon Grand Feu is powered by the new automatic calibre UN-128. Expressing the brand’s development and continued independence in the movements manufacture, it harnesses the properties of silicium technology, with a 60-hour power reserve and a magnificent flying tourbillon. Fitted with a white Grand Feu enamel dial with black Roman numerals, the layout is classic and visually striking. With a 60-hour power reserve indicator at 12 and a flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock, the dial is very well balanced but clearly maintaining the tourbillon as its central focus.
The Grand Feu white enamel dial just like the movement, was also made in-house by Ulysse Nardin enamel specialists Donzé Cadrans. Its lovely pale milky color is a direct result of the process of this challenging art. Grand Feu enamel gets its name from the incredible heat required to fuse the enamel powder in a kiln. Complementing the classic elegance of the Grand Feu dial, are the elegant blued hands.
The Case
Equipped with a stainless steel case measuring 43 mm in diameter with very pronounced beveled edges, the Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourbillon Grand Feu maintains the sporty and maritime design cues that have characterized the brand for so long. With its rubber coated screw-down crown and its fluted bezel, the watch is elegant, yet sporty at the same time. The watch is fitted with a display case back and is water resistant to 100 meters. The new Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourbillon Grand Feu is delivered on a black alligator strap with folding clasp.
The Movement
Powered by the new Ulysse Nardin calibre UN-128, the movement features 36 jewels and silicium escapement and spring. For this particular high-precision timepiece, the cage, wheels, screws and hairspring of the flying tourbillon were produced entirely in-house by Ulysse Nardin. The movement provides a power reserve of 60 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph. The mpvement is very nicely decorated and rounded out by a beautiful oscillating weight with blue UN inlay.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourbillon Grand Feu wears true to its size and extremely comfortably. The perfect watch for those seeking unparalleled wrist presence, without breaking the bank. A watch that made waves at the SIHH 2017 and will continue to make waves as it makes it to the wrists of its final customers. Elegant, sporty and impressive are some of the words that come to mind when contemplating its flying tourbillon and getting mesmerized by it.
Sticker Price $28,000 USD. For more info on Ulysse Nardin click here.
