MARINE CHRONOGRAPH ANNUAL CALENDAR: A philosophy of timekeeping simplicity

Simplicity is the hardest thing to achieve. It is the ultimate test of experience, the final push of genius. With the new Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar, Ulysse Nardin has successfully applied this new paradigm to premium watchmaking. The product of a quest for perfect, its annual calendar offers a mechanical solution of disconcerting purity. Simple to use, adjustable both on the front and back, this piece is imbued with the values of innovation, reliability and high-precision that are so cherished by the watch manufacture.

Halfway between a perpetual calendar, which doesn’t need correcting before the year 2100, and a simple calendar that requires five manual adjustments a year, the annual calendar is mechanically programmed for one year, it recognises months composed of 30 and 31 days, but not February. Therefore, it only needs to be corrected once a year.

But where classic devices involve up to 30 components, watchmakers at Ulysse Nardin have managed to develop a system containing around only a dozen elements. In a development of the simple calendar developed for UN-118 caliber, the annual calendar only needs 3 additional wheels – a challenge that personifies the spirit of Ludwig Oechslin, the genius creator for whom simplicity is a philosophy.

MARINE GRAND DECK: Nautical design fused with breakthrough technology

Welcome aboard! Cutting edge technology and innovative mechanisms are all aboard this high-precision craft decked out in a nautical-inspired design. On the dial, hand-crafted wood marquetry evokes a ship’s deck, while the time display is original and creative: a boom pulled by super-strong nanowires indicates the minutes, while the hours are displayed on two concentric disks. The patented device, which is regulated by a second barrel, also incorporates a majestic tourbillon. Undeniably exclusive, this timepiece from the Marine Chronometer collection is produced in 18 white gold pieces.

Ulysse Nardin is in its element when venturing on the high seas, as evidenced by this latest creation. In the innovative Grand Deck Marine Tourbillon model, the retrograde minutes display takes the form of a boom. The technology is visually fascinating, and as complex as it is accomplished. Linked to a 60-second flying tourbillon, this patented system is drawn by a super-strong hi-tech fiber that is thinner than a human hair. Impressive all-round, the timepiece showcases breakthrough technology in the unmistakable nautical-themed design of the Marine Chronometer family, of which it displays the legendary traits.

FREAK: FreakWing

As partner to the Artemis Racing team in the America's cup, Ulysse Nardin is flying the team's colors high with the new FreakWing, which is packed with innovations and cutting-edge technology just like the famous high-tech AC45 catamaran of the Swedish challenger.

The jewel of the sea has finally been encapsulated in the form of a watch ! To celebrate its partnership with the Artemis Racing team for the 35th America's Cup, Ulysse Nardin as adorned its new FreakWing with the most emblematic features of this high-tech catamaran: the upper bridge for the minutes is inspired by the internal structure of the rigid sail, while the texture of the rotating hours disc evokes the mesh net of the multihull. The bezel and case back are forged from carbon fiber, an element that is omnipresent in high-level sailing. And so, flying the colors of the Swedish challenger, the FreakWing is a hymn to excellence, to innovation, to technology and to precision - values which are shared by both brands.

As spectacular as always with its Tourbillon in the centre, riding high with the Artemis Racing logo on the back, the new FreakWing offers a highly readable hour and minute display, as well as the date at four o'clock. On the technology side, it features the UlyChoc safety system, a new generation of shock absorbers. Entirely conceived, developed and produced in-house, it replaces three traditional micro-elements with just one made from silicium. This is a true world-first, and is the subject of a patent application. This solution avoids any slack or friction, allowing for perfect re-positioning of the balance wheel back to the centre in the event of an impact.

Sturdier than ever, with a black DLC titanium case and a carbon-style strap with yellow stitching, the FreakWing is also phenomenal to use. In the absence of a crown, it is the upper and lower bezels, integrated into the movement, which perform the various functions: the first, secured by a safety clip between the lugs at 6 o'clock, can be used to set the hours and minutes when rotated clockwise, and to set the date when rotated anti-clockwise; the second, on the case back, is to wind the mainspring barrel – designed for a power reserve of eight days.

DIVER CHRONOGRAPH HAMMERHEAD SHARK

Ulysse Nardin celebrates an evolution with the Diver Chronograph Hammerhead Shark, featuring the self-winding manufacture chronograph calibre UN-150 with silicium escapement and balance spring. A first for the entire Diver collection, the introduction of this movement represents another major step in Ulysse Nardin independence.

A quintessential marine instrument – now even more powerful by the UN-150- the Diver Chronograph Hammerhead Shark is presented as a limited edition in both stainless steel and 18-karat rose gold. Exceptionally nautical in style, both version sport a deep blue dial with a signature hammerhead shark motif. The watch’s oversize case – 44mm , 48-hour power reserve, screw-locked crown, pushers, solid lugs and unidirectional turning bezel make it an essential watch for ocean travel and excursions.

CLASSICO SCHOONER AMERICA: A stunning expression of America’s Historic Victory

In August 1851, members of the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) raced the “America” schooner to victory in England’s Royal Yacht Squadron’s 100 Pound Cup. After this triumph, the trophy was renamed the America’s Cup in honour of the winning vessel. It is the oldest trophy in international sporting; it remains the most important yachting competition of all time; and is the apex of yachtsmen’s careers. However, the America’s Cup is far more than a race; it’s also a symbol of design innovation.

Celebrating the ground-breaking engineering of the original “America” that led to this landmark moment in yachting history and showing support of the 35th America’s Cup as an official partner of Team Artemis Racing, Ulysse Nardin introduces Classico America. A limited-edition of 30 pieces, each in 18-karat-white and rose-gold with enamel cloisonné, the Classico America is a winning timekeeper.

Set within a 40mm-diameter dial is an authentic depiction of the America in all its glory. The ocean seems to brace for the schooner’s cutting-edge hull to slice through the surface. The daunting terrain of the Isle of Wight is its backdrop and pales in comparison to the ship’s colossal masts and sails. It’s as if one can feel its speed and is transported back in time to partake in the excitement of the America getting ready to secure the trophy. Its seafaring force is undeniable and brought to life through the enamel cloisonné technique.

JADE: Sensual creation Marries Ulysse Nardin’s innovation, now unleashed in stainless steel

A first among many, Jade entered the Ulysse Nardin family of high horology as the signature timepiece for women. Never before had the manufacturer designed and produced an in-house movement exclusively for a ladies collection. Uniquely, this special piece does not call for pushing or pulling of the crown in order to set the date and time. A nail-friendly mechanism, it is intended to protect a woman’s manicure, which is made possible by its ‘1-2-3’ caliber; each manipulation is easily made by turning the crown forwards or backwards without any need to pull it out. As well, ladies no longer need to fiddle to adjust the date. This original watch is stunningly simple and superbly practical to use, making it a favourite among women.

Enhancing the practicality of Jade is its incorporation of silicium, a technologically-advanced material with many benefits, one being it is unaffected by magnetics. Ladies can rest assured that functionality will never be inconveniently disrupted by items like mobile phones. Appreciated by its female wearers for its style and substance alike, Ulysse Nardin is pleased to introduce Jade in stainless steel.