Ulysse Nardin, championing chronometry since 1846, introduces a new squadron of seven new Marine Torpilleur models, showcasing the brand’s 175 years of Haute Horlogerie savoir-faire and techniques: silicium technology tourbillon and astrology legacy, chronograph, in-house enamelling and design are their hallmark of excellence.
The Marine Torpilleur model, launched in 2017 is an avatar of Ulysse Nardin’s roots and history, joining the long line of illustrious Marine Collection chronometers of the 19th century when explorers roamed the oceans with their deck chronometers. The watch that today most embodies this innovative and far-thinking creativity is the Marine Torpilleur. To celebrate this momentous 175th anniversary, Ulysse Nardin has widely enlarged its collection of the Marine Torpilleur with two new movements, complications, chronographs, and enamelled dials. All the novelties are produced in limited editions and bear the signature Chronometry since 1846 at 6 o’clock on the small seconds counter and a lightened minutes circle compared to the core collection.
The seven new models of the Marine Torpilleur launched for the Geneva Watch Days, taking place in the Swiss capital of watchmaking. The Marine Torpilleur embodies the maverick mentality of Ulysse Nardin as well as the philosophy of excellence and quest for precision still embraced by the Swiss watch manufacturer in Le Locle and la Chaux de Fonds to this day.
1846: a genuine story that comes from afar. For the mavericks, free-minded, gentlemen, adventurers.
In 1846 Ulysse Nardin founded the company in Le Locle, Switzerland, that bears his name to this day He and his descendant, Paul David Nardin, would go on to make a stellar reputation as masters of marine chronometers for navies all over the world, winning competitions for horological excellence and commissions for his indispensable navigational tools. He would go on to supply over 50 navies, geodesic institutes and astronomical observatories with his inventions. Ulysse Nardin’s pocket chronometers were among the most coveted ever created prized by naval officers and merchant captains the world over. That vibrant marine history led to the creation of the iconic Marine Chronometer, the ultimate expression of technical performance and sleek design. The year 2017 saw a new generation chronometer, made for the modern era the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur. Named for the small, fast ships of that earlier time, whose agility ensured that they could easily outmaneuvered bigger ships, this is a timepiece for contemporary explorers. A lighter, thinner version of the iconic Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer, the Marine Torpilleur is made for free-minded adventurers.
Chronometry, which requires the highest skill level of any timekeeping creations, has been the unique domain of Ulysse Nardin since 1846 following in the tradition of its expert watchmaking since the company s founding. During the 18th century, marine chronometers with sufficient precision that allowed for long-distance exploration saw their first tests as navigational tools. At the time, they acted as a complement to the required expertise in astral navigation and precise time-based calculations necessary to find longitude. At that time, a Deck Chronometer was as essential of a strategic tool as a GPS or a radar system for a battleship.
A fleet of Marine Torpilleur, an armada of choices
The entire flotilla of Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur is ready to set sail in 2021.
These precision instruments all bear the codes of historical Marine Chronometers, such as the fluted bezel, Roman numerals and the double counter. Each model, equipped with a silicium escapement, has a distinctive look and its own design, bearing the legacy and codes of the brand’s history. Along with the Marine Torpilleur Blue Enamel the icon of the collection these include the Panda, the Moonphase white, the Moonphase blue, the Chronograph white, the Chronograph blue, and the Tourbillon Grand Feu Enamel ( in rose gold Set with an Alligator leather strap, they are all compatible with the R strap, made from recycled fishing nets. Every watch is as distinctive as its wearer and ready to accompany each modern Ulysses on the high seas of their unique voyages through life’s adventures.
The Marine Torpilleur Blue Enamel 42mm, UN-118, limited edition of 175 pieces
Enamelling is a delicate art, one that Ulysse Nardin continues to employ today. One of the new Marine Torpilleur has a magnificent Ulysse Nardin blue in house enamelled dial Grand Feu technique). Thanks to the company’s collaboration with Donzé Cadrans, an independent enamelling workshop based in Le Locle, Switzerland, acquired by the manufacture in 2011, Ulysse Nardin has been able to constantly innovate and improve on this artisanal technique, which requires that over 90 of the process to be done by hand. Ulysse Nardin masters this métier d’art like no other watchmaker anywhere, including the technique of Grand Feu enamel and cloisonné in which a design is created by filling in a wire outline with coloured enamels.
They replicate all of the codes of a traditional Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer, when, in the early days, a marine chronometer cost the equivalent of one-third of the price of the entire sea worthy vessel Their cathedral hands, Roman numerals and indication of how much longer they will keep ticking before needing to be worn or wound, are all direct descendants of the first designs produced by Ulysse Nardin With massive 60 hours power reserve, these novel models represent the successful technological advances made upon the original chronometers, which needed to be wound but were streamlined to keep working precisely in order to count the seconds that tick by day after day, during the voyage.
The Marine Torpilleur Panda 42mm, UN-118, limited edition of 300 pieces
One of the most striking new models to weigh anchor in 2021 carries with it all the history of Ulysse Nardin’s values of technical exploration and unprecedented precision in marine chronometry. The Marine Torpilleur Panda model, with two small dark blue dials within the dial (one that contains the power reserve indicator and one that houses the second hand and date) is a unique design at Ulysse Nardin.
The first time that the manufacture has used this design, the Panda is nicknamed for its resemblance to a panda bear’s face, with two dark eyes in the middle of a white face. The varnished Panda dial with rhodium finished hands bears the insignia “Chronometry since 1846 on the bottom ring that houses the seconds hand. It uses Silicium and DIAMonSIL technology and runs thanks to the UN 118 movement. Limited to 300 pieces only, the 42 mm diameter Marine Torpilleur Panda comes with a choice of either a brown or blue leather alligator strap, metal bracelet, a rubber strap or an R-Strap.
The Marine Torpilleur Annual Chronograph 44mm, UN-153, limited edition of 300 pieces of each model
A collection of timepieces for Grand Connoisseurs
First produced from 1936 to 1980 the Ulysse Nardin Chronograph Marine Torpilleur pocket watches of that time featured the ability to read time down to 1/10th of a second. Used during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, this precision transformed timekeeping. These chronographs, employed by automobile clubs, geodesic commissions, and scientists on expeditions, were delivered with official certification that guaranteed their extreme precision.
The 2021 version includes a varnished white or a mat blue dial, and the UN 153 Manufacture movement, which is an evolution of the earlier UN 150 movement. The white dial is adorned with silvered, small counters and the annual calendar, which sits at 9 o’clock just above the signature, verifying that Ulysse Nardin has been the leader in Chronometry since 1846. An invention by Ludwig Oechslin the annual calendar system employed in the perpetual calibre model of 1996 has been improved, with all settings adjustable both forward and backward by using the crown, making it easy to set time and date.
The Marine Torpilleur Moonphase 42mm, UN.119, limited edition of 300 pieces each model
To early astronomers from Galilei to Copernicus to Johannes Kepler – the importance of astral navigation could not be underestimated. As one of the oldest preoccupations of mankind, astronomy deals with all celestial bodies, from planets and their satellites to comets, meteors, quasars and galaxies and has continually aroused the curiosity of mankind. Our planet’s moon has been of particular interest, as it has a direct impact on the oceans effects our life on earth.
Ulysse Nardin has been producing watches with moonphases since the end of the 19th century. The moonphase is a complication that is at the heart of every astronomical instrument, as the phases of the moon control the tides, hence navigation.
The Marine Torpilleur Moonphase comes with either a blue or white dial and its use enhances the pleasure of being able to admire the moon from Earth and its vast seas. The Torpilleur is the French name for a torpedo boat, an attack ship that needed above all to be quick and with a precise aim. Used in combination with a sextant, the chronometers of yesterday allowed for detailed, astral navigation which included following the phases of the moon to comprehend the Ocean’s movements to the best of human ability. This Marine Torpilleur Moonphase, the most recent descendant of an illustrious family, permits modern man to do the same, whether on the deck of his own sailing vessel or simply admiring the seas from afar.
The Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand feu 42mm, UN.128, limited edition of 175 pieces
At Ulysse Nardin, tourbillon chronometers are derived from an art that traces back to the end of the 19th century. The tourbillon contributed to the quest for ultimate precision with its primary function being to compensate for errors due to the effects of Earth’s gravity on a movement in vertical position. Since 1983 with Rolf Schnyder serving at the head of the company for over 30 years, Ulysse Nardin today carries on the tradition of its legacy. The watchmaker endlessly develops new rotating cages and adds to the long list of accomplishments.
The Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu is at the helm of this new outstanding collection. This rose gold model has an open sapphire case back and is completed by a fluted bezel. The black Grand Feu enamel dial by Donzé Cadrans proudly bears its power reserve at 12 o’clock as the rose gold hands tell the exact time. A black alligator strap finishes this jewel of a working machine, which is also compatible with a rubber strap or an R-Strap. The rose gold deployable buckle makes for ease in securing this highly functioning jewel of a timepiece, while the calibre UN 128 Constant, Manufacture and automatic movement operates the flying tourbillon, another forte of the Marine Torpilleur. This patented UN Constant Escapement Tourbillon won the Tourbillon Watch Prize at the annual 2015 GPHG (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève) award ceremony and is one of the special features of this stellar model. With a diameter of 42 mm, water-resistant to 50 meters, the 208 components and 36 jewels housed inside the magnificent casing make this watch one by which you will be remembered.
Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Technical Specifications
Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Blue Enamel
Reference
1183-310LE 3AE 175/1A (Brown s trap)
1183-310LE 3AE 175/1B (Blue strap)
Movement
Calibre UN 118 Manufacture, COSC automatic movement
Functions
Hours , minutes, small seconds, date
Balance spring in Silicium
Escapement wheel & anchor in Diamonsil
260 components / 50 jewels
Frequency 4 Hz / oscillations 28’800 V/H
Case
Stainless steel polished & satin
finish case / fluted bezel
Case back: Open sapphire case back
Diameter 42 mm, height 11.73 mm
Dial
New blue
Grand Feu e namel dial by Donzé Cadrans
Double counters with power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock and small seconds with date at 6 o’clock
“Chronometry since 1846” signature on the small second counter
Rhodium finish hands
Strap
Brown or blue alligator leather strap
Compatible with R STRAP / rubber strap / metal bracelet
Stainless steel deployant buckle
Water-resistance 50 m
Power reserve: 60 hours
Limited edition 175 pieces
Price
10’900 CHF / 10’000 € / 11’500 $
Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Panda
Reference
1183-310LE 0A 175/1A (Brown strap)
Movement
Calibre UN 118 Manufacture, COSC automatic movement
Functions
Hours , minutes, small seconds, date
Balance spring in Silicium
Escapement wheel & anchor in Diamonsil
260 components / 50 jewels
Frequency 4 Hz / oscillations 28’800 V/H
Case
Stainless steel polished & satin finish case / fluted bezel
Case back: Open sapphire case back
Diameter 42 mm, height 11.13 mm
Dial
Varnished Panda dial
Double counters with power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock and small seconds with date at 6 o’clock
“Chronometry since 1846” signature on the small second counter
Rhodium finish hands
Strap
Brown or blue alligator leather strap
Compatible with R-TRAP / rubber strap / metal bracelet
Stainless steel deployant buckle
Water resistance: 50 m
Power reserve: 60 hours
Limited edition 300 pieces
Price
7’800 CHF / 7’200 € / 8’200 $
Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Annual Chronograph
Reference (Blue)
1533-320LE 3A 175/1A (Brown strap)
1533-320LE 3A 175/1B (Blue strap)
Reference (White)
1533-320LE 0A 175/1A (Brown strap)
1533-320LE 0A 175/1B (Blue strap)
Movement
Calibre UN 153 Manufacture, automatic movement
Functions
Hours, minutes, small second, date
Chronograph (H M S) & annual calendar
Escapement wheel , balance spring & anchor in Silicium
406 components / 53 jewels
Frequency 4 Hz / oscillations 28’800 V/H
Case
Stainless steel polished & satin
finish case / fluted bezel
Case back: Open sapphire case back
Diameter 44 mm, height 13.66 mm
Dial
Blue mat PVD dial or white varnished dial with silvered small counters
Chronograph counter at 3 o’clock
Annual calendar and small second at 9 o’clock
“Chronometry since 1846” signature
(B) Rhodium finish and beige coloured hands or (W) blued and red hands
Strap
Brown or blue alligator leather strap
Compatible with R-STRAP
Stainless steel deployant buckle
Water resistance: 50 m
Power reserve: 52 hours
Limited edition
Chronograph blue: 300 pieces
Chronograph white: 300 pieces
Price
11’500 CHF / 10’600 € / 12’100 $
Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Moonphase
Reference (Blue)
1193-310LE 3A 175/1A (Blue strap)
1193-310LE 3A 175/1B (Brown strap)
Reference (White)
1193-310LE 0A 175/1A (Blue strap)
1193-310LE 0A 175/1B (Brown strap)
Movement
Calibre UN 119 Manufacture, COSC automatic movement
Functions
Hours, minutes, small seconds, moonphase
Balance spring in Silicium
Escapement wheel & anchor in Diamonsil
222 components / 45 jewels
Frequency 4 Hz / oscillations 28’800 V/H
Case
Stainless steel polished & satin
finish case / fluted bezel
Case back: Open sapphire case back
Diameter 42 mm, height 11.13 mm
Dial
Blue sun brushed PVD dial or white varnished dial
Double counters with power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, small seconds and moon disc at 6 o’clock
The star of the night is made of a multi-layer decal that brings a lot of elegance and reflections when reveal on the Starry Sky made of blue PVD.
“Chronometry since 1846” signature on the small second counter
(B) Rhodium finish hands or (W) blued hands
Strap
Brown or blue alligator leather strap
Compatible with R STRAP / rubber strap / metal bracelet
Stainless steel deployant buckle
Water resistance: 50 m
Power reserve: 60 hours
Limited edition
Moonphase blue: 300 pieces
Moonphase white: 300 pieces
Price
9’400 CHF / 8’600 € / 9’900 $
Ulysse Nardine Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu
Reference
1282-310LE 2AE 175/1A
Movement
Calibre UN 128 Constant Manufacture, automatic movement
Functions
Hours, minutes
Flying tourbillon with Ulysse Anchor Escapement (constant) / blades technology
Power reserve indicator
Escapement wheel , balance spring & anchor in Silicium
208 components / 36 jewels
Frequency 2,5 Hz / oscillations 18’000 V/H
Case
Rose gold 5N polished & satin
finish case / fluted bezel
Case back: Open sapphire case back
Diameter 42 mm, height 11.93 mm
Dial
Black Grand Feu enamel dial by Donzé Cadrans
Power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock
Rose gold coloured hands
Strap
Black alligator leather strap
Compatible with R-STRAP
Rubber strap
Rose gold 5N deployant buckle
Water resistance: 50 m
Power reserve: 60 hours
Limited edition: 175 pieces
Price
45’900 CHF / 42’200 € / 48’400 $
Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Gallery
