Ulysse Nardin

The quartz crisis did not stop at Ulysse Nardin watches. While many manufacturers began to manufacture Qaur watches, Ulysse Nardin stayed with traditional mechanical watches and initially hit a dead end. In 1983, rescue came in the form of the Swiss entrepreneur Rolf W. Schnyder. The watch enthusiast recognised the potential of the centuries-old manufacturer and took over the company.

Within a few years, Schnyder, with the support of his partner, watch designer Ludwig Oechslin, succeeded in repositioning Ulysse Nardin watches on the market. Today, Ulysse Nardin is, once again, one of the leading manufacturers of Swiss luxury watches. The brand has regained its place at the peak of the watch industry and successfully proved its savoir-faire.

Ulysse Nardin's watch collections are grouped into four pillars. Each of these pillars, or sections, represents a different facet of the versatile watch manufacturer and includes numerous noble and well-known models. The Marine collection is probably the manufacturer's most famous series. It draws on the legacy of Ulysse Nardin and revives the wrist chronograph. The brand has always been closely associated with nautical science, and this tradition is brilliantly celebrated by Ulysse Nardine Marine watches. The collection includes emblematic watch models such as the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Manufacture, the Ulysse Nardine Marine Diver and the Ulysse Nardin Lady Diver.

As the name suggests, the Functional series focuses on the functionality of the watches. The models here are called Perpetual Calendar, Dual Time or Sonata and they have a host of exciting complications to thrill watch lovers.

Ulysse Nardin's Exceptional family includes the iconic Trilogy of Time series. This series marked a turning point in the history of Ulysse Nardin Watches and heralded a new era for the company. The collection also includes the revolutionary Freak, a watch that amazed the watch world with its use of silicone.

The timepieces summarised by the Ulysse Nardine Classico range are timeless classics that are committed to the tradition of craftsmanship. These Ulysse Nardin watches look good on any wrist, especially with regard to their striking dials - there are some spectacular models here, some with pictures of ships, dragons or horses.

A freak on the wrist – the model’s name says it all and this exceptional watch from Ulysse Nardin certainly breaks all the rules. When the Freak was introduced in 2001, it was met with harsh scepticism as well as sheer enthusiasm. Silicone was used to make the Freak's balance wheel – at that time a little-used silicone-based alloy. Using this light, anti-magnetic, but robust material allows the balance wheel to vibrate more regularly. Back then a novelty, today a standard; silicone is now used by all leading manufacturers.

However, the Freak also shines for the pure creativity of its design. The model dispenses with all the typical elements of a watch. You won't find a crown on the Ulysse Nardin Freak – the watch is wound up and set through its case. Then, the manufactory went one step further and replaced the hands and dial with a unique movement, whose bridges and wheels indicate the time. The appearance of the Ulysse Nardin Freak cannot be compared to any other watch. Not only was the Freak a first for Ulysse Nardin watches, but it was also one of the most important milestones in Haute Horlogerie.

Ulysse Nardin's watch creations are masterpieces of traditional swiss watchmaking, successfully demonstrating fine craftsmanship combined with technical innovation. Discover some of the most popular watches at CHRONEXT:

• Ulysse Nardin Astrolabium
• Ulysse Nardin Classic
• Ulysse Nardin Executive