Watch Ulysse Nardin: customer reviews. How to distinguish the original Ulysse Nardin from a copy

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

In 1846, a dedicated young watchmaker from Le Locle (Switzerland) founded a watch company. He named it according to the then-existing tradition with his own name - Ulysse Nardin (Ulysses Nardan). He chose the manufacture of marine chronometers as his main line of work.

In the days of sailboats, the position of the vessel was determined with the help of a sextant and a clock. The deviation of their accuracy by only one second led to a deviation in the location of the ship by 463 meters. Therefore, a great responsibility was assigned to the watch.

Marine deck chronometers produced by Ulysse Nardin have proved to be accurate and reliable navigational instruments over the years of wandering the seas and oceans. They were used by the navigation services of 50 fleets around the world.

History

Ulysses Nardan was born on January 22, 1922 in the family of a talented watchmaker. It was from his father that he learned watchmaking. His teachers were also the most experienced masters of that time. One of them, Dubois, created astronomical clocks and marine navigational chronometers. Not surprisingtherefore, that his student also chose the production of precisely such devices as the business of his life. Therefore, a stylized image of an anchor flaunts on the company logo.

In 1846 the first Ulysse Nardin watch was assembled. Until the second half of the 20th century, the manufactory produced high-precision marine chronometers, without which it was impossible to determine the exact location of a marine vessel.

The following statistics speaks about the authority of the company. For more than a century of history, Ulysse Nardin has received 4324 certificates confirming the accuracy of its chronometers. A total of 4504 such certificates have ever been issued.

In the 1970s, the company faced the challenges that the so-called quartz revolution created for Swiss watchmakers. Already in the 1980s, Ulysse Nardin was on the verge of collapse.

New story

In 1983, the revival of the former glory of the legendary manufactory began. The company came under the control of Rolf Schneider, a connoisseur of fine watchmaking and a successful businessman. Enlisting the help of a talented craftsman Ludwig Oechslin, he was able to revive the company in a short time.

Already in 1985, the unique astronomical clock Astrolabium Galileo Galilei was presented to the judgment of true connoisseurs. Within 7 years, two more models were created. Together they make up the Trilogy of Time collection. In translation - "Trilogy of time". Movements of models are created by refining and complicating ETA calibers.

In 2006, the company again rightfully became the ownerthe status of a manufactory, resuming the production of calibers of its own production. It was a very important step. Despite the interest of large watch holdings in it, the old manufactory remains in the ranks of independent manufacturers. This allows Ulysse Nardin not to follow traditions, but to create them.

Collections

Ulysse Nardin watches are characterized by a large number of models with numerous complications: certified chronometer, chronograph, Dual Time (second time zone), alarm device, perpetual calendar and others. All movements are self-winding. For the manufacture of parts, high quality materials are used: for cases - stainless steel, titanium, ceramics, 18-carat white and rose gold; for belts - alligator skin, rubber.

In the manufacture of dials of certified chronometers, enamel is used. The masters managed to revive the unique technology, which at one time was considered lost. Amazingly beautiful dials depicting sailboats flying on the waves or fabulous dragons from the Classico Enamel series are made using the cloisonné enamel technique.

Ulysse Nardin women's watches are encrusted with diamonds, and mother-of-pearl is used for the manufacture of dials. The combination of watchmaking and jewelry allows you to create masterpieces that become family heirlooms.

The Stranger model will not leave anyone indifferent, in which high watchmaking craftsmanship and musicalart. The masters managed to create a masterpiece. At a certain hour, or at the request of the owner, the watch plays an excerpt from the cult melody Strangers in the Night. Moreover, the work of the musical mechanism can be observed directly under the glass.

Ulysse Nardin watches are combined into several collections: Marine, Functional, Exceptional and Classical.

Marine collection is a symbol of the brand

The emblem of Ulysse Nardin is a stylized image of an anchor. Like any other watch manufacturer with a name, the company has a collection that embodies the history of the brand, its traditions and trends. For Ulysse Nardin, the Marine Collection is such a line. It combines the sea element, the spirit of innovation and the traditions of the past. The wrists of many men who are passionate about sea romance and their extraordinary girlfriends are adorned with Ulysse Nardin Marine watches. Reviews of their owners about the models from this collection are unanimous: “High-precision, reliable and recognizable.”

The variety of colors, materials used and options for complications and additional functions allows you to satisfy the most demanding taste.

The collection consists of several lines. For example, the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer watch is a series of certified chronometers in steel, gold and titanium cases. Power reserve indicator, side second hand - everything is concise and strict. Marine Diver is a self-winding diving watch. Cases - stainless steel, gold, titanium. Rotating bezel. From additionalfunctions - chronograph, power reserve indicator, month calendar. The women's part of the collection (Lady Diver) is encrusted with diamonds.

Authentication

One of the proven ways to buy original watches is to use the services of an official dealer of the manufacturer.

To make sure that the Ulysse Nardin watch you buy is an original, and not a skillful imitation of a unique product of the legendary brand, the company offers its customers to use the authentication system.

Each product of a well-known manufacturer is accompanied, among other documents, by a warranty card confirming the obligations of the manufacturer. This card has a high degree of security. It is unique and has a special Bubble Tag™ code. To verify the authenticity of the watch, you need to go to the Ulysse Nardin website, section "Authentication", and enter in the window the serial number of the card, which looks like 1UN00AAAAxxxxx.

How to spot a fake

Despite the rather high level of performance of replicas (as high-quality copies are called), there are a number of signs by which imitation can be recognized.

1. Low price. It is better to find out in advance how much the Ulysse Nardin watch of the model you like costs. For example, Marine models cost between 5,499 and 18,331 Euros.

2. The company produces only Ulysse Nardin mechanical watches with automatic winding. Therefore, quartz or self-winding watches under this brand are a copy.

3. Quality of finishing detailshours. They are characterized by factory precision and accuracy. There should be no burrs, serifs, tiny specks and dust particles on the details and surfaces of the dial and hands. Each element and the product as a whole must have a complete, impeccable look.

4. The location of overhead signs, numbers and inscriptions on the dial must be symmetrical. The inscriptions must match the model. Thus, certified chronometers with manufactory movements, instead of marking “swiss made”, have the inscription “le locle suisse”. Only Ulysse Nardin watches have this marking. Copies may be marked "Made in Switzerland".

5. Clockwork head. On the original watch, the crown is adorned with the manufacturer's logo.

6. Movement of the second hand. In copies, it usually jumps. The original features a smooth running second hand.

7. Inlays. The original watch is adorned with diamonds of very high quality cut and clarity. The stones are carefully selected in diameter, so their landing is on the same level.

8. The serial numbers of the mechanisms look very neat due to the same depth of digit printing. This is achieved by high quality stamps with a curved surface.

9. Package. For its manufacture, high-quality materials are used - natural wood, morocco. All inscriptions are made with gold stamping.