In 1846, a dedicated young watchmaker from Le Locle (Switzerland) founded a watch company. He called her, according to the then existing tradition, his name - Ulysse Nardin (Ulysses Nardan). As the main direction in the work, he chose the manufacture of marine chronometers.
In the days of sailboats, the position of the ship was determined using a sextant and a clock. Deviation of their accuracy for only one second led to a deviation in the location of the ship by 463 meters. Therefore, a great responsibility was placed on the watch.
Ulysse Nardin's marine deck chronometers have proved to be accurate and reliable navigation instruments over many years of wandering across the seas and oceans. They were used by the navigational services of 50 fleets around the world.
Story
Ulysses Nardan was born on January 22, 1922 in the family of a talented watchmaker. It was with his father that he studied watchmaking. His teachers were also the most experienced masters of that time. One of them, Dubois, created astronomical clocks and marine navigation chronometers. It is not surprising, therefore, that his pupil chose the production of precisely such devices as the work of his life. Therefore, a stylized image of the anchor flaunts on the company's logo.
In 1846, the first Ulysse Nardin watches were assembled. Until the second half of the 20th century, the manufactory produced high-precision marine chronometers, without which it was impossible to determine the exact location of the marine vessel.
About the authority of the company says such statistics. For its more than a century of history, Ulysse Nardin has received 4324 certificates to confirm the accuracy of its chronometers. And all in all 4504 such certificates were ever issued.
In the 1970s, the company was faced with the problems that the Swiss quartz watch was created by the so-called quartz revolution. Already in the 1980s, Ulysse Nardin was on the verge of collapse.
New story
In 1983, the revival of the former glory of the legendary manufactory began. The company came under the control of Rolf Schneider, a connoisseur of fine watchmaking and a successful businessman. With the help of the talented craftsman Ludwig Ochslin, he was able to revive the company in a short time.
Already in 1985, the unique astronomical clock Astrolabium Galileo Galilei was presented to the court of true connoisseurs. Within 7 years, two more models were created. Together they represent the Trilogy of Time collection. Translated - "Trilogy of Time". The mechanisms of the models are created by refining and complicating the caliber ETA.
In 2006, the company again rightfully became the owner of the status of the manufactory, resuming the production of calibers of its own production. This was a very important step. Despite the interest in large watch holdings, the old manufactory remains in the ranks of independent manufacturers. This allows Ulysse Nardin not to follow traditions, but to create them.
Collections
Ulysse Nardin watches are characterized by a large number of models with numerous complications: a certified chronometer, a chronograph, Dual Time (second time zone), an alarm device, a perpetual calendar and others. All mechanisms are self-winding. For the manufacture of parts, high quality materials are used: for cases - stainless steel, titanium, ceramics, 18-carat white and pink gold; for belts - alligator leather, rubber.
Enamel is used in the manufacture of certified chronometer dials. Masters managed to revive a unique technology, which at one time was considered lost. Amazingly beautiful dials with the image of sailing ships or fairy dragons from the Classico Enamel series flying through the waves are made using cloisonne enamel technique .
Ulysse Nardin women's watches are encrusted with diamonds, and mother of pearl is used to make the dials. The combination of watchmaking and jewelry allows you to create masterpieces that become family heirlooms.
The Stranger model will not leave anyone indifferent, in which, inexplicably for an inexperienced person, the combination of high watchmaking and musical art is combined. Masters managed to create a masterpiece. At a specific hour or at the request of the owner, the watch performs an excerpt from the cult melody Strangers in the Night. Moreover, the work of the musical mechanism can be observed directly under the glass.
Ulysse Nardin watches are combined into several collections: Marine, Functional, Exceptional and Classical.
Marine collection - brand symbol
Ulysse Nardin emblem - stylized image of an anchor. Like any other watch manufactory with a name, the company has a collection that embodies the history of the brand, its traditions and trends. For Ulysse Nardin, this is precisely the line of the Marine Collection. It combines the elements of the sea, the spirit of innovation and the traditions of the past. The wrists of many enthusiastic marine romance men and their extraordinary girlfriends adorn the watch Ulysse Nardin Marine. Reviews of their owners about the models from this collection are unanimous: "High-precision, reliable and recognizable."
A variety of colors, materials used and options for complications and additional functions can satisfy the most demanding taste.
The collection consists of several lines. For example, the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer watch is a series of certified chronometers in steel, gold and titanium cases. Power reserve indicator, side second hand - everything is concise and strict. Marine Diver is a self-winding diving watch. Cases - stainless steel, gold, titanium. Rotating bezel. Of the additional functions - a chronograph, power reserve indicator, calendar of the day of the month. The female part of the collection (Lady Diver) is encrusted with diamonds.
Authentication
One of the tried and tested ways to buy original watches is to use the services of an authorized dealer of the manufacturer.
To make sure that the Ulysse Nardin watch you purchased is an original and not a skillful imitation of a unique product of a legendary brand, the company offers its customers to use an authentication system.
Each product of a well-known manufacture is accompanied, among other documents, by a guarantee card confirming the obligations of the manufacturer. This card has a high degree of security. It is unique and has a special Bubble Tag ™ code. To verify the authenticity of the watch, you need to go to the Ulysse Nardin website, the "Authentication" section, and enter in the window the serial number of the card, which has the form 1UN00AAAAxxxxx.
How to distinguish a fake
Despite the relatively high level of replica execution (as high-quality copies are called), there are a number of signs by which imitation can be recognized.
1. Low price. It is better to know in advance how much a Ulysse Nardin watch costs for an attractive model. For example, Marine models cost from 5,499 to 18,331 Euros.
2. The company only produces a self-winding mechanical Ulysse Nardin watch. Therefore, a quartz watch or a self-winding watch under this brand is a copy.
3. Quality finishes for watch parts. They are characterized by factory accuracy and accuracy. There should not be any burrs, serifs, the smallest specks and dust particles on the parts and surfaces of the dial and hands. Each element and product as a whole should have a complete, impeccable look.
4. The location of overhead signs, numbers and inscriptions on the dial should be symmetrical. Labels must match the model. So, certified chronometers with manufactory mechanisms instead of “swiss made” markings have the inscription “le locle suisse”. Only Ulysse Nardin watches have this marking. Copies may be marked. "Made in Switzerland".
5. The crown. On the original watch, the crown is decorated with the logo of the manufactory.
6. The course of the second hand. In copies, she usually rides. The original is characterized by a smooth second hand.
7. Inlays. Original watches are decorated with diamonds of very high quality cut and clarity. The stones are carefully selected by diameter, so their landing is on the same level.
8. The serial numbers of the mechanisms look very neat due to the same depth of printing the numbers. This is achieved by high quality dies having a curved surface.
9. Packing. For its manufacture, quality materials are used - natural wood, morocco. All inscriptions are made of gold stamping.