Ulysse Nardin defies timeA technological gem: The Marine Chronometer Manufacture.
In the 19th century, to protect its marine chronometers from the corrosive effect of the salty sea air and to overcome the technical challenges of a floor in constant motion, Ulysse Nardin decided to invest in time. The treasures of audacity and ingenuity it deployed have endured over the centuries.
Today, Ulysse Nardin Manufacture not only pays homage to this spirit of innovation and independence that prevailed over its creation, but celebrates it with pride, perpetuating the legend. And so, the new Marine Chronometer Manufacture is the latest addition to the Ulysse Nardin collection of marine watches. Its Caliber UN-118, manufactured entirely in-house with its beating heart of silicon and DIAMonSIL, reminds us that traditional know-how and confident inventiveness reflects the ideology of Ulysse Nardin: to ensure its creations have the touch of eternity they deserve
Descended from the emblematic Freak (2001) – the first watch to feature a silicon escapement – and building on the Freak DIAMonSIL (2007), the new Marine Chronometer Manufacture benefits from several major advances made by Ulysse Nardin and its company Sigatec. Launched in 2011, the Caliber UN-118 that powers this timepiece is effectively the first in a line of movements with a DIAMonSIL escapement and a silicon 1.1.1 balance spring, both made entirely in-house. The result of intensive research, DIAMonSIL is a revolutionary alloy combining silicon and a synthetic diamond coating. Ultra lightweight but solid, this nanotechnological material eliminates friction and consequently does away with the need for lubrication.
The cornerstone in the brand’s development and the key to its independence, this self-winding caliber is a real technological gem, and offers hours, minutes and direct-drive small seconds, a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock and the date at 6 o’clock. Able to run autonomously for 60 hours, the Marine Chronometer Manufacture has a date that can be adjusted either backward or forward, and it also benefits from the Ulysse Nardin Certificate. Based on COSC tests of the performance of the movement alone, the Ulysse Nardin Certificate goes further by rigorously checking the quality and craftsmanship of the watch as a whole.
Available in 18 ct. rose gold or in stainless steel, the Marine Chronometer Manufacture bears the classic hallmarks of marine instruments: a generous case with a 43 mm diameter for excellent readability, a fluted bezel, solid lugs to ensure excellent stability on the wrist and a screw-locked crown guaranteeing complete water resistance to a depth of 100 meters, as well as a rubber finish for perfect handling. Displaying Arabic numerals, the dial is available in a choice of black, blue or silver. The timepiece comes mounted on either an alligator or rubber strap, or an 18 ct. gold or stainless steel bracelet.