The Geneva Watch Days 2021 have already become a landmark event for the watch industry, but for Ulysse Nardin, this event holds special significance. In 2021, the brand celebrates 175 years since its founding in 1846, and in honor of this momentous anniversary, the brand has created a series of limited editions showcasing both the futuristic and heritage sides of its catalog. Complex and sculptural desk clocks UFO became the cornerstone of the futuristic celebration in April 2021, and at the Geneva Watch Days, the brand turns its attention to its rich heritage of marine chronometers by releasing new limited series in the Marine Torpilleur line.
Among all the brand's commemorative releases at the Geneva Watch Days 2021, the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu limited edition is the undisputed flagship, combining a truly world-class movement with a beautifully traditional enamel dial.
The 42mm case of the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu in 5N rose gold repeats the brand's Marine Torpilleur's simple and refined pattern with a balanced mix of classic and modern elements. The elegantly narrow bezel with a coin edge leaves maximum visual space for the dial, while the wide, tapering lugs add a more contemporary spirit to the looks. In the same spirit of maximizing the view inside the watch, Ulysse Nardin has equipped the Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu with a sapphire case back (unfortunately, the brand could not provide images of the case back before going to press). Despite the maritime design heritage, the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu is only water-resistant to 50 meters.
Of all the hand techniques used in the manufacture of traditional dials, few, if any, are as difficult to produce as Grand Feu enamel dials, and the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu is a textbook example of why this finish is so coveted. The Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu dial in deep royal black with a mirror-like gloss creates the impression of a deep pot of black ink, while the rich milky-white color of the elongated Roman numerals and dial text seems to float on the liquid surface.
The overall dial design is deeply traditional, from the large dial text at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions to the elegant rose gold spade hands and the recessed power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock. Given the complexity and visual impact of the Grand Feu enamel, few dials have windows or skeleton cutouts, but Ulysse Nardin dedicates the 6 o'clock side of the dial to the true visual centerpiece of the Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu. This large cutout houses the complex flying tourbillon, equipped with Ulysse Anchor's unique constant force escapement system.
Designed to ensure even torque delivery to the gear train throughout the winding curve, this spectacular element is intricately adorned with a signed wheel and a matte rose gold separator with strong grain. Although the flying tourbillon with constant force is a complex and finely detailed visual element, thanks to the traditional simplicity of the rest of the dial design, this component can take an undisputed place at the center of attention in images without creating a sense of imbalance on the dial.
Ulysse Nardin equips the Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu with its in-house automatic UN-128 Constant movement with a flying tourbillon. In addition to the aforementioned constant force flying tourbillon escapement, the UN-128 Constant features extensive use of high-tech silicon in its construction and offers a reliable 60-hour power reserve at a stable frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour. The watch comes with a classic black alligator leather strap.
The Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu limited series, combining cutting-edge watch technology with centuries-old dial-making traditions, highlights both the past and the future of the brand celebrating its anniversary. Only 175 pieces of the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu will be produced, and these watches are available now at authorized dealers for $48,400 USD. For more detailed information, visit the brand's website.