To celebrate the 20th anniversary of their Marine collection, Ulysse Nardin released the Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar 'Grand Feu' Enamel dial less than two months ago at the SIHH 2017. This exceptional timepiece featuring a 30-minute chronograph and an annual calendar —one of the most noble complications that sits right in between a Perpetual Calendar and a Date function watch— is one that requires adjustment only once a year in February. While an annual calendar cannot be compared with a perpetual calendar, for those wanting a very functional and less expensive complication, this is the way to go. The new Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph Quantieme Annuel ref. 1133-210/E3 is graced with a gorgeous 'Grand Feu' enamel dial very similar in looks to that on the new Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourbillon Grand Feu we reviewed here.
The Case & Dial
Equipped with a highly polished case in stainless steel measuring 43 mm in diameter, fluted bezel and the signature rubber coated screw-down winding crown, the biggest difference between the new Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar Grand Feu Enamel Dial and its predecessor the ref. 1533-150-3/40 is that this new watch is only equipped with a 30-minute chronograph instead of a 12-hour on the first one.
Fitted with a white Grand Feu enamel dial with blue Roman numerals, the layout is very classic but modern at the same time. Clean and well-balanced are some of the words that come to mind when looking at the dial of the new Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar Grand Feu. The Grand Feu white enamel dial just like the 60-hour power reserve movement, was made in-house by the Ulysse Nardin enamel specialists Donzé Cadrans. Its unique pale milky color is a direct result of the process of this challenging art that requires numerous firings before achieving the final desired results. Grand Feu enamel gets its name from the incredible heat required to fuse the enamel powder in a kiln.
The dial features a railway minute track, a month indicator with red hand and superimposed running seconds at 9 o'clock, a 30-minute chronograph totalizer at 3 and a date aperture with magnifier at 6 o'clock. The blued hands with luminescent material and the '1846' red writing are just the icing and cherry on top of the cake when it comes to this very special timepiece.
The Strap
The new Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar Grand Feu is delivered on a black alligator strap with folding clasp. The watch is water resistant to 100 meters but we wouldn't advice to get the strap wet as it might not hold to wear and tear properly, that is where the optional rubber strap that UN sells comes in handy.
The Movement
The beating heart inside the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar Grand Feu Enamel Dial is the in-house Ulysse Nardin automatic calibre UN-113, with 55 jewels and silicium escapement and spring. The movement provides a power reserve of 60 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph. This exquisitely decorated movementis equipped with a beautiful oscillating weight with blue UN inlay and fully visible via the display case back.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar Grand Feu Enamel Dial wears true to its size and extremely comfortably. The perfect watch for those seeking to have something more than a date function but that can't afford a perpetual calendar yet. Elegant, sporty and very well made are some of the words that come to mind when perusing this watch. For the price, you are definitely getting a lot of watch.
Sticker Price $14,500 USD. For more info on Ulysse Nardin click here.
