The Dual Time, the Moonphase and the Tourbillon are the new members of the Marine Torpilleur, a fine line launched in 2017 by the Swiss Maison to pay tribute to the Marine Chronometers of the 19th century.
Ulysse Nardine, founded in 1846, became well known during the 19th and 20th centuries for mastering the manufacture of deck chronometers for naval forces. The House’s pocket chronometers made them win excellency awards and recognition among navy officers and captains.
In 2017, the Maison honoured this valuable history and legacy by launching the Marine Torpilleur, a new generation of chronometers. This collection, named after the torpedo boat, preserves some aesthetic elements of traditional marine chronometers, such as the dual counter, the fluted bezel, and the Roman numeral hour markers.
The Marine Dual Time
This piece incorporates the iconic features of the Marine Chronometer. It includes the UN-334, the first manufactured calibre fitted with the GMT± function presented by the Maison in 2014. The advantage is that the “home time” display can work recurrently over 24 hours in an aperture at 9 o’clock, whilst the small hand offers forward or backward mobility to the local time by using the “+” and “-” push-pieces at 8 and 10 o’clock.
As it is usual for Ulysse Nardin, the UN-334 calibre used for this model features silicium technology in the escapement wheel, the anchor, and the balance spring. The use of this metalloid guarantees elastic, non-magnetic and durable properties; resists wear; and needs almost no lubrication. This masterpiece has a price of EUR 10,400.
Additionally, the 44 mm Dual Timepiece, featured in a polished and satin-detailed stainless-steel case, grants a 48-hours power reserve, 50-meter water resistance and a sunray satin-finished blue dial. It is designed with a blue alligator-skin strap and a steel folding clasp. Moreover, it can also be worn with a fabric strap that contains a velcro fastening.
The Moonphase
As of 2022, this model is becoming part of the Marine Torpilleur permanent collection. However, it was first presented in 2021 as a limited edition: only 300 pieces per model. However, due to the success of this piece, which was first designed in a stainless-steel case and a blue or white dial, the House opted to keep it permanent, this time with a 42 mm rose gold case and the UN-119 self-winding calibre.
This model, with a price of EUR 20,300, also incorporates silicium technology in the balance spring; DiamonSil escapement wheel and anchor; and dual counters that display the power reserve at 12 o’clock and the small seconds and moon disc at 6 o’clock. Furthermore, it is water-resistant to 50 meters and designed with a dark blue alligator-skin strap with a rose gold folding clasp.
The use of the DiamonSil, which is a plasma surface treatment process combining silicon and synthetic diamond, demonstrates the Maison’s know-how. This technology, patented in 2009, improves the timepiece’s resistance to magnetism, friction and impacts whilst optimising its performance.
The Tourbillon Grand Feu
Ulysse Nardine completes its addition of new models to the Marine Torpilleur permanent collection with this polished and satin-finished steel model that features an open sapphire crystal case back and incorporates a white Grand Feu enamel dial. The dial, in particular, was designed by Donzé Cadrans and displays the power reserve at 12 o’clock.
This 42 mm mechanical piece incorporates the UN-128 self-winding manufacture calibre; it is water-resistant to 50-meters and has a blue alligator-skin strap with a folding clasp finish, although it can also be used with a rubber strap or metal bracelet.
In this EUR 35,600 model, Ulysse Nardin’s expertise and exclusivity in watchmaking are proven in the Grand Feu enamel. As the House explains, the enamelling decorative technique is only mastered by a small circle of artisans, as it requires meticulous and complex work.
