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Ulysse Nardin is beyond luxury.
Everyone craves one of these designs in their collection.
Whether it be the Marine, Diver, Freak, Blast or Classico, you are guaranteed unprecedented technology, style and quality.
As a true leader in the industry, Ulysse Nardin has definitely earned its place as one of the top luxury watch brands.
“There is no established path to becoming a pioneer. There are no beacons, no signals, no way points. There is only attitude. An attitude that Ulysse Nardin embodies better than any other watchmaker.”
A History of Ulysse Nardin
1846
Luxury watch company, Ulysse Nardin was founded in 1846 by its namesake Ulysse Nardin in Le Locle Switzerland, where its headquarters can still be found today.
Ulysse Nardin was only 23 when he founded his company but had already been an apprentice horologist for many years, first training under his father then under two of the most famous master watchmakers of the time, Frederic-William Dubois and Louis JeanRichard-dit-Bressel.
The focus of Ulysse Nardin started with the production of nautical timekeeping instruments and is known for being one of the first to manufacture marine chronometers, which help determine a ships position by celestial navigation.
This led to many contracts for years to come furnishing international shipping companies and national navies such as the United States, United Kingdom, Russia and Japan with Ulysse Nardin marine chronometers.
1862
Before his death in 1876 at the age of 53, Ulysse Nardin proved his perfectionist skill and quality craftsmanship by being awarded the United Kingdoms highest distinction of watchmaking, the Prize Medal for ‘complicated watches and pocket chronometers’ in 1862.
And by being awarded certificates to supply Neuchatel Observatory with their marine chronometers in 1867.
1876
This tradition continued when Ulysse Nardin’s son Paul-David Nardin took over the company after his father’s death.
Paul-David Nardin went on to win a Gold Medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1889 for his pocket and marine chronometers, First Prize at the Chicago Universal Exhibition in 1893, and received two Swiss patents in 1890, along with many more awards and honors.
1970
During the 1970s and early 1980s there was a “quartz crises.”
Mechanical watches were being replaced by the technologically advanced and more accurate quartz watches, which caused a disturbance in the watch industry that was felt around the world.
However, the Swiss watchmaking brands held their ground during these down times and as evidenced by their continued survival and success today, they have come out on top.
While most Swiss brands now make their own versions of quartz watches too, the mechanical watch craftsmanship is still in production setting the bar for being one of the most in demand status symbol luxury items and investments on the market today.
Competition with new technology proved to be difficult for Ulysse Nardin who like many of the Swiss watch companies did have to evolve with the times to pull through.
1983
It was not until Rolf Schnyder acquired the company in 1983 that Ulysse Nardin experienced a successful restoration.
Over the next 30 years, with timepieces such as the “Marine Chronometer 1846,” their first marine chronometer wristwatch and the first perpetual calendar “Perpetual Ludwig,” along with the release 5 new in-house calibers, the company has been thriving.
2014
Today Ulysse Nardin is run by Kering, a French based multinational corporation who specializes in luxury goods and acquired the company in 2014.
Under Kering, Ulysse Nardin continues to live up to their reputation by maintaining its superior craftsmanship traditions while it has released 3 new calibers of watches, and remains one of the most sought after luxury watch brand.
Today
Not only does Ulysse Nardin continue to maintain high standards within their business community and development, but also within the world community as a whole.
They forge ahead while taking the world’s environment into consideration from all angles.
As members of the Responsible Jewellery Council and by only purchasing diamonds in compliance with the World Diamond Council System of Warranties which follows the Kimberly Process, they operate in a responsible and transparent manner.
Ulysse Nardin has also made an enormous commitment to environmental sustainability with a focus on the marine world by helping to increase oceanographic knowledge and decrease marine pollutions.
The development of the new R-Strap is a perfect example of one way they do this. It is the first watch strap to be made from recycled fishing nets. And the R-Strap is their first 100% waterproof fabric strap. It is able to be used with the Diver 44 mm, Diver 42 mm, Diver Chronograph, Marine Torpilleur and Freak X watches.
With unique innovations, styles and advanced technology, Ulysse Nardin has proven why it holds a place as a top leader in the luxury timepieces community around the world.
Ulysse Nardin Official Site: www.ulysse-nardin.com
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