The unique engineering and design of these two models take the Freak concept to a new level, the lifeblood of Ulysse Nardin’s pioneering innovation pumping through each piece. Reflecting, respectively, the stoic polar ice floes and the majestic volcanos that regenerate the earth, they are an appetizing preview of the upcoming Ulysse Nardin novelties. Like Homer’s fearless hero, Ulysse Nardin has once again gone to Xtremes to visit the furthermost forces of nature with its two new Freak X timepieces. The Freak X Ice in titanium and the Freak X Magma in lava red carbon fiber and titanium black DLC will make you fear the cold and crave the burn.
Posts filed under Ulysse Nardin
Insider: Ulysse Nardin Marine Mega Yacht Watch. As Amazing as the Mega Yacht Where it was Launched.
Just released in Miami on Saturday February 16th, 2019 while we were attending Watches & Wonders Miami 2019, the new Ulysse Nardin Marine Mega Yacht was presented aboard an incredible 156-foot mega yacht made by Baglietto boasting 342 square meters —3,681 square feet— of luxury area accommodations for 12 guests. During the presentation, we enjoyed a few early morning glasses of Perrier-Jouèt Grand Brut along with some fresh tuna and caviar. Without a doubt, the perfect luxury setting to reveal an incredible timepiece priced at $310,000 USD. For Ulysse Nardin setting out to sea is a key moment in any new voyage.
SIHH 2019: Ulysse Nardin Freak X. Live Pictures & Pricing.
The Ulysse Nardin Freak X is now the point of entry into the Freak collection as it was just presented at the SIHH 2019. Though many of the same aesthetic and functional elements are in place, the Freak X pushes out into uncharted territory. With a case measuring 43mm instead of 45mm, the watch is less bulky and more legible. Unlike its predecessor the Freak, the Freak X is equipped with a crown for setting the time instead of the use of the bezel to correct the time. The new watch is available in four different iterations that include a titanium model, a titanium black DLC, carbonium —forged carbon— and a 5N rose gold model, all of them with a black DLC titanium case core that extends from the middle case all the way to the center of the lugs. All four watches are also delivered on ‘point bridge’ alligator straps with deployant double folding buckle.
Insider: Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military Limited Edition. Hands-on with two Vintage Looking Chronometer Watches.
Invigorating its Marine collection and trying to reach a much younger clientele comes the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military Limited Edition as an ode to the sea and homage to WWII torpedo boats in a vintage inspired limited edition with two dial variations. Each dial variation is available in a limited edition of 300 pieces each and cased in a bead blasted 44 mm stainless steel case. Simple but very well executed, both watches feature vintage font Arabic numerals as well as running seconds subdials at 6 o'clock and vintage inspired spade and whip hands.
Insider: Ulysse Nardin Diver Deep Dive Hammerhead Shark. Hands-on with the new 300-Piece Limited Edition.
When one thinks of Ulysse Nardin watches, the first models to come to mind are the diving and maritime inspired timepieces. The new Ulysse Nardin Diver Deep Dive Hammerhead Shark Limited Edition is the newest addition to the Diver collection with a very robust timepiece. This new watch with a blue color scheme and incredible wrist presence is ready to take on the oceans and any diving challenge it is confronted with.
SIHH 2018: Ulysse Nardin Freak Vision. The First Automatic Watch in the Freak Collection.
The first automatic watch in the Ulysse Nardin Freak Collection is the new Freak Vision. A feat of horology and a very good looking timepiece, the new Ulysse Nardin Freak Vision incorporates the revolutionary innovations unveiled in the Ulysse Nardin InnoVision 2 Concept Watch at SIHH 2017 to give birth to a brand new winding mechanism called the Grinder Automatic Winding System. T
Insider: Ulysse Nardin Marine Regatta. Winner of the Sports Watch Prize at the GPHG 2017.
Proud sponsors of the Artemis Racing Team in the America's Cup sailing challenge, Ulysse Nardin is a brand that is very well know for their marine timekeeping heritage and their marine nature. As the perfect companion for those that enjoy sailing and especially those aboard the Artemis Racing team, comes the new Ulysse Nardin Marine Regatta ref. 1553-155-3/43 with a marine blue dial, blue rubber strap, and a convenient 10-minute regatta countdown paired with a 12-hour monocounter chronograph.
Insider: Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Quantieme Annuel. Hands-on with a Great Looking Annual Calendar.
As an ode to the sea and the maritime nature of Ulysse Nardin comes the new Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Quantieme Annuel ref. 1133-210/E3 with a strikingly beautiful 'Grand Feu' blue enamel dial with wave guilloché pattern. With an easy to read layout, its dial features a 60-hour power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock and a month and date indicator at 6.
News: Presenting the Ulysse Nardin Classico Zheng He Treasure Boat. A Stunning 30-Piece Limited Edition.
Saluting the fascinating world of Chinese maritime history, Ulysse Nardin honors the Zheng He Treasure Boat in its new Classic Collection. This 30-piece limited edition timepiece features a stunning cloisonné enamel dial with the legendary Chinese Treasure Boat —or Bao-Chuan. The Bao-Chuan was a large wooden ship in the fleet of admiral Zheng He, the renowned explorer and mariner, who led seven incredible voyages during the early 15th-century Ming Dynasty.
News: Ulysse Nardin Diver Le Locle. A Modern Interpretation of a Reference from 1964.
Paying homage to Ulysse Nardin’s past with new versions of beautiful classics, today, the brand released the new Ulysse Nardin Diver Le Locle watch that celebrates the illustrious UN history with resolutely modern aplomb. Inspired by a model from 1964, this new diving watch might look like the vintage original, but the technology behind its mechanical movement is pure modernity.
Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar Grand Feu Enamel Dial. Hands-on with an Exceptional Quantieme Annuel.
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.
SIHH 2017: Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourbillon Grand Feu. Hands-on Live Pictures & Pricing.
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.
News: Introducing the Ulysse Nardin Hourstriker Erotica Jarretière. Equipped with a Little Something for Voyeurists.
Ulysse Nardin reveals its sensual side with the new Hourstriker Erotica Jarretière. Ulysse Nardin is known for its daring watchmaking ingenuity, with the new Hourstriker Erotica Jarretière, the manufacture pushes the boundaries, once again, revealing a side never seen before —sensuality. Adding a little risqué to its repertoire of wristwatches is the new Hourstriker Erotica Jarretière. Erotic scenes are a long-standing tradition in the watch industry. Ulysse Nardin takes the subject matter to new heights through its implementation of the Hourstriker movement and Jaquemarts. A delicate, handcrafted miniature brings the romance of Venice to life. The delicately finished black onyx dial portrays the scene exposing lovers, viewable from the interior balcony, enjoying each other. Set admist traditional Venetian décor, the nude man and woman make love on a chaise; these figures are handmade 18K gold Jaquemarts that move in rhythm with the Hourstriker.
Insider: Ulysse Nardin El Toro GMT Perpetual. Perhaps the Most Robust Perpetual Calendar Out There.
The Ulysse Nardin El Toro/Black Toro GMT Perpetual ref. 326-03-3 is fitted with a very robust solid 18K rose gold case measuring 43mm in diameter and topped off with a fixed black ceramic 24-hour bezel and a black rubber strap with deployant buckle. El Toro, is perhaps the most robust and most user friendly Perpetual Calendar out there that also happens to also come with a sophisticated dual time zone complication. This watch is fitted with a stunning black dial with Côtes de Genève that could be perceived as slightly busy but somehow its striking design and beauty makes all elements flow nice and evenly. The dial features the traditional oversized skeletonized hands with luminescent material on the tips, day and month apertures next to the center pinion, seconds register at 9, year aperture at 6 and big date aperture at 1 o'clock. The black dial is nicely accentuated and balanced by the blued screws and the gold accents.
Insider: Ulysse Nardin Freak Phantom. A Superb Horological Complication with No Winding Crown.
Ulysse Nardin was born in Le Locle, Switzerland on 22 January 1823, a region that was already home to a wealth of watchmaking activities. Ulysse started as an apprentice to his father Léonard-Frédéric a watchmaker and then went to work with William Du Bois, one of the greatest experts of his age in precision timepieces, notable marine chronometers and astronomical watches. Ulysse began specializing in complicated watches, and quickly spotted the potential of a niche market as maritime transport grew. In 1846, at the tender age of 23, Ulysse Nardin founded the company that still bears his name today.
After Ulysse Nardin's death in 1876, two generations of his descendents took over the company to later sell in 1983 on the brink of collapse and with just a handful of watchmakers remaining on the team. That year, 1983, marked a turning point in the history of Ulysse Nardin. During a visit to Switzerland, Rolf W. Schnyder, a visionary entrepreneur and watch fanatic soon got together a small group of investors with himself at their head to purchase the company.
News: Introducing the Fully Redesigned Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver. Just Stunning.
The fully redesigned Marine Diver showcases all the qualities of a genuine diving watch, with its screw-locked crown, rotating bezel and case that is water-resistant to 300 meters.
The marine world holds no secrets from Ulysse Nardin. Having contributed to the conquest of the oceans through the development of its legendary marine chronometers, the watchmaker has now anchored its impressive know-how in the sub-aquatic depths. Fully redesigned, the popular Marine Diver is both a highly reliable diving instrument and a fine sports watch that can be worn on every occasion.
Everything about the Marine Diver evokes the marine world in which the Le Locle watchmaker is steeped, starting with Ulysse Nardin’s anchor emblem, proudly displayed at 2 o’clock. The same ornamentation can be seen on the bezel. The solid case-back reveals an engraving of a boat surrounded by the inscription: “Conquer the ocean.” This embellishes a new case designed for extreme conditions, extended by the lugs with their taut, sleek lines.
Insider: Ulysse Nardin Moonstruck. An Astronomical Watch with Moon Phases and Tidal Status.
Seventeen years after the completion of the historical astronomical 'Trilogy of Time' Ulysse Nardin has developed another revolutionary astronomical timepiece with the distinct DNA of Dr. Ludwig Oechslin. Dr. Ludwig Oechslin’s concept focused on the system of sun, earth and moon, concentrating on the scientifically accurate depiction of the moon phase, and the global influence of lunar and solar gravitation, resulting in the ebb and flow of the tides.
The Ulysse Nardin Moonstruck ref. 1069-113 in platinum is truly an astronomical watch where by combining the movement of two sapphire crystal rotating discs in one display, the moon phase indication is so precise that more than 100,000 years will have to pass before it shows a full moon rather than a new moon —or vice versa. The Moonstruck simulates the rotation of the moon around the earth, as well as the apparent movement of the sun around the globe. The latter is shown by another disc, rotating once every 24 hours. This permits the determination of the current moon phase in relation to any location in the world. This fascinating watch fitted with a robust platinum case measuring 46 mm in diameter and a blue alligator strap with folding buckle is definitely one of the most interesting complications one can see on someone's wrist. This watch is available in a limited edition of 500 pieces in platinum and 500 pieces in 18K red gold as ref. 1062-113.
The Moonstruck features a hand-painted earth over a mother-of-pearl dial that indicates the position of sun and moon in relation to earth, the moon phases, hours and minutes and a second time zone. The Moonstruck also shows the global dynamics of tides that depend upon the gravitational effects of Moon and Sun. This revolutionary mechanical wristwatch illustrates the current tidal status and trend in relation to specific coastlines or oceans. The cumulative influences of the Moon and Sun which result in spring tides are also clearly shown. To guarantee uncompromised readability, the watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.
While the date is indicated via the fixed blue ceramic bezel with silver engraved numbers, the second time zone is indicated via the outer chapter ring of the dial with the 24 hours marked with gold numbers. The Moonstruck features the Ulysse Nardin patented time zone quick-setting adjustment buttons —marked with a plus and minus sign respectively— where the wearer can advance or back the second time zone indicating ring with the push of a button. A small rose gold plate bearing the watch's case number is located right in between these buttons.
Overall, the highly polished platinum case is very nicely finished but quite prone to swirl marks and scratches. The winding crown is made of matte blue ceramic and capped with a platinum ring on top. The case lugs are thick and solid and they create the perfect balance along with the elegant alligator strap on the watch.
The beating heart inside this exceptional timepiece is the in-house Ulysse Nardin automatic calibre UN-106 which provides a power reserve of approximately 50 hours when fully wound. The beautifully finished calibre bears the traditional Le Locle Ulysse Nardin seal, circular 'Côtes de Genève' finish on the bridges and a 22K white gold oscillating weight with a blue insert that contains an anchor. The calibre is fully visible via the display case back offering a real treat for the eyes. Despite its display case back, this watch is waterproof rated to a depth of a 100 meters.
On the wrist, the watch feels slightly bigger than its actual size, very heavy but quite comfortable as the shape of the watch lugs allow for a perfect fit around the wrist. Now, the only down side to this watch, is that anyone intending to wear it, should have a wrist with a circumference of at least 7.25". While is somewhat complicated to read the time on this watch and understand all the different indications that this watch provides, we still feel that its wrist presence is just exceptional. Next time you are traveling the seven seas in your Wally 118, make sure one of this beautiful watches is strapped to your wrist.
Sticker Price $125,500 USD. For more info on Ulysse Nardin click here.
News: Pre-Baselworld 2014 Ulysse Nardin Presents the Dual Time Manufacture. A Fascinating Dual Time Complication.
The Ulysse Nardin Dual Time Manufacture has being released as a pre-Baselworld first look. This timepiece enables the second time zone and date to be adjusted both forward and backward. Like the Marine collection, it is now equipped with a movement that has been developed and manufactured entirely in-house. Never before had a watchmaker so perfectly fulfilled the desire for comfort of frequent travelers and explorers. Part of an iconic Ulysse Nardin collection, the launch of the Dual Time Manufacture was a significant milestone in the history of contemporary watchmaking. For the first time, it was possible to adjust the second time zone forward as well as backward. Now, this incredible timepiece returns equipped with an automatic movement that has been developed, designed and manufactured entirely in-house: caliber UN-334. Endowed with a Big Date double window display, also adjustable in both directions, it boasts a silicon escapement, the height of watchmaking technology that very few brands are able to master. Complex to work with, its manufacturing techniques remain the prerogative of just a handful of watchmakers. The self-winding movement, a technological gem, is showcased through a sapphire case-back.
Independence through innovation: the Ulysse Nardin Manufacture constantly pursues the steep but extraordinarily worthwhile path it chose to take a few years ago. Offering hours, minutes, oversized small seconds at 6 o’clock, a big date double window display and second time zone functions, the Dual Time Manufacture is without doubt one of the easiest watches to read and adjust on the market. While the “home time” indicator advances steadily over 24 hours in an aperture at 9 o’clock, the small hand can easily be aligned with local time, either forward or backward. This is achieved simply by pressing the (+) or (-) pushers positioned at 10 o'clock and 8 o’clock, without having to remove the watch from the wrist or interrupting its timekeeping. The ultimate in mechanical refinement, the calendar function automatically synchronizes with adjustments made in either direction.
Behind this simplicity of use —a true lesson in functionality— the Manufacture caliber UN-334 deploys the results of many years of research. Featuring a 48-hour power reserve, it is equipped with a silicon anchor, escape wheel and roller. The 4 Hz oscillator also has a patented 1.1.1. silicon balance spring, guaranteeing impressive accuracy. Having made its watchmaking début a little over 10 years ago thanks to the pioneering efforts of Ulysse Nardin, this highly contemporary material requires hardly any lubrication and resists wear more than any other.
The bold modernity of this outstanding timepiece is complemented by a few classic touches, for an air of casual elegance. This chameleon-like piece is equally suited to a day in town or an important occasion. Water resistant to 30 m, its completely redesigned 42 mm-diameter case is available in steel or 18 ct rose gold, mounted on a leather strap or a steel or rose gold bracelet with deployment buckle. While ensuring perfect readability, the openwork hour and minute hands that sweep around the black or silver-finish dial add a delicate, light touch that characterizes truly timeless watches. This chameleon-like piece is equally suited to a day in town or an important occasion.
For more info on Ulysse Nardin click here.
Baselworld: Ulysse Nardin. Ten Novelties with Impressive Horological and Design Attributes.
Since the manufacturer’s earliest days more than 167 years ago when its founder, Ulysse Nardin, began making marine chronometers in a mountainous location in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, the watchmaking powerhouse has continually proved that challenges present vast opportunities worthy of exploration. It is these explorations that have resulted in Ulysse Nardin’s unprecedented inventions in horology. The year 2013 is ripe with invention and the introduction of six in-house developed movements.
Routinely seeking to forge unconventional relationships to strengthen its lead and independence in watchmaking, Ulysse Nardin went on to acquire Donzé Cadrans, the world-recognized enamel-dial specialist. Treasuring the art of enameling and enamel cloisonné, Ulysse Nardin adds this masterful skill to its in-house capabilities.
This year at Baselworld, ten fascinating new timepieces were launched. All of them with very impressive horological and design attributes.
The line-up includes the Marine Chronograph—enameled watch featuring the new in-house chronograph movement UN-150. The Black Sea Marine Diver in stainless steel with a vulcanized rubber coated case.
The Jade, is the first ladies watch with an in-house caliber featuring four exquisite green jade horns that flank the watch bezel with a magnificent ring of emeralds and diamonds and the ability to set the time and date without having to pull the crown out. The time is set by using a pusher at the four o’clock position that changes the function of the crown so that each adjustment is then simply made by turning the crown forwards or backwards without any need to pull it out.
The Black Toro Perpetual Calendar a rose gold and ceramic timepiece offering the simplest setting capabilities of any perpetual calendar out there.
The Stranger Musical watch which is the first in this series of 99-piece limited edition timepieces that plays the melody 'Strangers in the Night' on the hour and on call with direct collaboration by virtuoso Dieter Meier.
The Skeleton Manufacture featuring a flying tourbillon and available in two limited editions of 99 pieces in red gold and 99 pieces in platinum.
The Carnival of Venice Minute Repeater limited to 18 pieces with a dial that depicts two figures in front of the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal. Both figures are wearing masks, alluding to the Carnival of Venice and with the minute repeater’s chiming of the hours, quarters and minutes, the figures lift their masks.
The Royal Ruby Tourbillon, a handcrafted masterpiece set with 12 rubies distinguishing the hours and accompanied by 48 diamonds in a limited edition of 99 pieces.
The Classico Cloissoné Pride of Baltimore—drawing inspiration from the history changing use of Baltimore Clippers during the War of 1812— and lastly the new Classico Serpent—celebrating the Chinese year of the snake in a limited edition of 88 lucky pieces, this timepiece is a mastery of the art of champlevé enamel method where cells are carved with a chisel directly on the dial and then filled with enamel of a variety of colors created from different metallic oxides.
