The best Ulysse Nardin watches offer a treasure trove of timepieces that combine technical prowess, artistic flair, and historical significance. In this article, we take a look at the best Ulysse Nardin watches that deserve a place in the portfolio of any serious collector.
Contents
- 0.1 About Ulysse Nardin brand
- 0.2 Top 10 Best Ulysse Nardin Watches in the World
- 0.3 1. Ulysse Nardin Pre-Owned Freak
- 0.4 2. Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon
- 0.5 3. Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Manufacture Automatic
- 0.6 4. Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronometer 44mm watch
- 0.7 5. Ulysse Nardin Executive Automatic Skeleton Dial Watch
- 0.8 6. Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur
- 0.9 7. Ulysse Nardin Men’s 266-37LE/3B Maxi Marine Diver Black Surf Watch
- 0.10 8. Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Moonphase
- 0.11 9. Ulysse Nardin Diver Hammerhead Shark 44mm Limited Edition
- 1 10. Ulysse Nardin Blast Hourstriker
About Ulysse Nardin brand
Ulysse Nardin is a revered brand that has endured the ups and downs of time and timekeeping since 1846. The brand originally began assembling chronograph complications for ships, supplying marine timekeeping instruments to many navies around the world.
In 1983, Rolf Schnyder took the helm, teaming up with timekeeping expert Dr Ludwig Oechslin. The duo introduced a new generation of Ulysse Nardin watches that took the watch world by storm, and were a fitting response to the dominance of quartz watches during the crisis of the 1970s and 1980s.
Continuing its legacy of innovation, in 2001 Ulysse Nardin watches were the first to incorporate silicium (French for silicon) into the escapement, eliminating the need for lubrication and making it much lighter.
Six years later, the brand patented the DIAMonSIL escapement, combining artificial diamonds with silicon to further enhance the complexity of the watch. Today, we present 10 of the best Ulysse Nardin watches from various collections.
Top 10 Best Ulysse Nardin Watches in the World
1. Ulysse Nardin Pre-Owned Freak
The Ulysse Nardin Freak is a popular watch known for its innovative and unconventional design. Pre-owned models can offer excellent value.
Featuring an innovative rotating movement that rotates the escapement and balance wheel, the Freak is a unique and visually striking piece of mechanical engineering. The Freak’s design is unlike any other, with its asymmetrical case and exposed movement.
Ulysse Nardin is known for using high-quality materials in its watches, including precious metals and sapphire crystals.
Overall, the Ulysse Nardin Freak is a highly collectible and unique watch. If you are drawn to the innovative design and are willing to invest in a pre-owned model, it could be a worthwhile purchase.
2. Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon
For collectors who appreciate mechanical artistry, the Executive Skeleton Tourbillon is a masterpiece of openworked design. The watch offers an unobstructed view of the complex movement, with the flying tourbillon centered at 6 o’clock.
The Executive Skeleton Tourbillon “Stars and Stripes” limited edition is particularly notable for collectors. Limited to just 50 pieces, this watch features a movement made using sophisticated laser cutting techniques, featuring a stars and stripes motif.
This unique design, combined with the technical excellence of the flying tourbillon, makes it a true collector’s item. The appeal of the Executive Skeleton Tourbillon lies in the perfect balance of technical sophistication and artistic expression.
This watch demonstrates Ulysse Nardin’s ability to push the boundaries of skeletonization while maintaining the structural integrity and performance of the movement.
3. Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Manufacture Automatic
The Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Manufacture Automatic 18kt Rose Gold Men’s Watch is a luxurious watch that combines classic design with modern technology.
This watch boasts a classic, nautical-inspired design that is both timeless and sophisticated. The 18kt rose gold case and polished bezel exude luxury and sophistication.
The dial is blue-gray with indexes and a date window at 3 o’clock. The hands are elegantly shaped for excellent readability.
The watch is made of high-quality materials, including a sapphire crystal on the front and caseback, ensuring durability and scratch resistance.
Overall, the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Manufacture Automatic 18kt Rose Gold Men’s Watch is a stunning watch that offers exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and value. Its classic design, precise movement and luxurious materials make it a desirable choice for discerning watch enthusiasts.
4. Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronometer 44mm watch
Ulysse Nardin is known for its complicated watches, but the brand’s diving watches are equally impressive and collectible. The Diver Chronometer collection offers robust and functional timepieces that do not compromise on elegance or technical sophistication.
Paying homage to the brand’s marine chronometers of the past, the Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronometer is COSC certified. The watch features a contemporary and lightweight 44mm titanium case, water-resistant to 300m, and a blue or black unidirectional bezel that matches the dial color.
A small seconds subdial with a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock and a date window at 6 o’clock contrast with the grained finish of the blue or black dial. Powered by a UN-118 caliber, this Ulysse Nardin watch offers enhanced accuracy and anti-magnetic properties thanks to its silicon and DIAMonSIL escapement.
With limited to 300 pieces, the Diver Chronometer Great White is a standout model for collectors. The sandblasted and satin-finished titanium case and the white dial featuring an engraved shark pattern combine to create a visually striking watch.
Powered by the UN-118 manufacture movement, the watch ensures excellent accuracy and reliability. What makes the Marine Chronometer collection so appealing to collectors is its versatility. The watch is equally at home under the waves as it is with a suit, demonstrating Ulysse Nardin’s ability to create functional luxury watches.
5. Ulysse Nardin Executive Automatic Skeleton Dial Watch
The Ulysse Nardin Executive Automatic Skeleton Dial watch is a stunning piece that showcases the brand’s watchmaking expertise. In this review, we take a closer look at its key features, design, and overall value proposition.
The watch features a sleek and modern design with a transparent dial that reveals the intricate workings of the movement. The skeleton dial provides a fascinating view of the mechanical components, showcasing the watch’s craftsmanship and complexity.
The case is made of stainless steel, ensuring durability and a polished finish. The sapphire crystal glass provides clear visibility while protecting the dial and movement.
The watch is powered by the in-house UN-815 automatic winding movement, renowned for its precision and reliability. The movement is visible through the transparent dial, offering an interesting glimpse into the inner workings of the watch.
Overall, the Ulysse Nardin Executive Automatic Skeleton Dial watch is a stunning watch that offers a combination of style, functionality, and craftsmanship. The unique design and high-quality materials make it a desirable choice for watch lovers looking for a high-end watch.
6. Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur
With a timeless marine-inspired design and a modern movement, the Marine Torpilleur series features a rose gold or steel case. This Ulysse Nardin watch has a slimmer case profile, allowing it to be worn smaller than 42mm.
For the steel, the dial options are blue, white, or anthracite. The rose gold of the case is paired with a black dial, or in the case of the India special edition, with a brown dial.
The white dial is highlighted by blue de poire hands, while the anthracite and brown dials, in contrast to the black, are paired with rose gold hands. The 60-hour power reserve of the self-winding UN-118 caliber is displayed via a subdial at 12 o’clock.
7. Ulysse Nardin Men’s 266-37LE/3B Maxi Marine Diver Black Surf Watch
Sporty, reliable and crafted with the precision for which award-winning Swiss watchmaker Ulysse is known, the Maxi Marine Diver Black is the ultimate companion for your diving adventures.
This limited edition men’s watch boasts all the features you’d expect from a diving watch, including a rotating bezel, an enlarged date window, and luminous hands and indexes.
An anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the black dial, while the rose gold case has a transparent case back. The rubber strap is secured to the wrist with the help of a push-button clasp. This self-winding watch is a certified chronometer and is water-resistant to 656 feet.
8. Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Moonphase
The Torpilleur collection takes its name from a small torpedo boat, paying homage to the watch’s smaller 42mm case size compared to the brand’s Marine line. The Roman numerals and distinctive foire timekeeping hands, inspired by vintage marine chronometers, stand out.
The Torpilleur Moonphase features a case made of rose gold, a white dial, and a dark blue alligator leather strap. The dial features a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock and a moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock.
The UN-119 manufactured caliber powers this watch, providing a power reserve of 60 hours, which is indicated by an indicator on the dial of this Ulysse Nardin watch.
9. Ulysse Nardin Diver Hammerhead Shark 44mm Limited Edition
The Ulysse Nardin Diver Hammerhead Shark 44mm Limited Edition is a stunning watch that combines solid design with exquisite craftsmanship. In this review, we take a closer look at its key features, design, and overall value proposition.
The watch features a large 44mm case made of stainless steel, giving it a solid and masculine look. The brushed finish adds texture and depth.
The dial is a captivating combination of blue and black, reminiscent of the depths of the ocean. The applied indexes and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, providing excellent readability even in low-light conditions.
The design of the watch incorporates subtle references to the hammerhead shark, including a shark-fin-shaped power reserve indicator and a hammerhead shark motif on the caseback.
10. Ulysse Nardin Blast Hourstriker
The Blast Hourstriker represents Ulysse Nardin’s mastery of striking complexity. This automatic striking watch strikes the hours and 30 minutes on demand or with a passing strike. What sets this watch apart is its contemporary interpretation of this traditional complication.
The Blast Hourstriker’s titanium and black DLC case houses the skeletonized movement, allowing the striking mechanism to be clearly visible in action. The flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock adds another layer of horological complexity.
For collectors, the Blast Hourstriker offers a unique combination of traditional haute horlogerie and contemporary design. The impressive mechanism, visible through the openworked face, is both audible and visual delight, making it a standout piece in any collection.