Designed for a person who thought that Ulysse Nardin’s earlier Diver Chronometer 44 was too pricey, too big, and too cluttered for a diver (or, perhaps, for a person who is happy with the watch and wanted to augment their collection with a simpler version,) the 2018 Diver 42 automatic three-hander offers a beautiful, clean exterior, superior build quality, and a mechanism that, alas, is a bit too simple for the price that the brand asks for this thing.
Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin Dual Time UN-334 Manufacture (Ref. 3346-126)
Ulysse Nardin has been shipping its GMT-enabled Dual Timers for quite a while now and they must enjoy good sales if the model is reborn year after year trying to satisfy different tastes and budgets. However, this new dressy Ulysse Nardin Dual Time Manufacture radically differs from previous iterations. The difference is not limited to just the styling of its case and the dial: while its numerous predecessors were equipped with the self-winding Caliber UN-24, which is basically an inexpensive ETA 2892-A2 movement with an add-on module, this particular timekeeper that was presented at the Baselworld 2014 trade show is now equipped with their own UN-334 Manufacture mechanism. As the name implies, the movement is crafted solely in-house.
Ulysse Nardin Black Toro Perpetual Calendar + GMT
With its new Black Toro Perpetual Calendar + GMT, Ulysse Nardin expands its ultra-luxury “Toro” line with a model that features an appealing combination of matte and glossy black of its dial and strap with a polished rose gold body. While not breaking any design records (and not sporting any ultra-high-tech features unlike their earlier Ulysse Nardin Sonata Silicium,) this luxury timekeeper is still worth a closer look.
2013 Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver (Ref. 266-33-8C/922)
Expanding the bizarre collection of “fashion divers”, the 2013 Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver (Ref. 266-33-8C/922) offers a nice combo of 18-karat rose gold with elements of its chunky body and solid bracelet crafted from black rubber and glossy black ceramic respectively. While not a “tool,” the timekeeper is nevertheless equipped with a COSC-certified chronometer movement and features a water resistance rating that makes it suitable at least for recreational diving.
Ulysse Nardin Sonata Streamline in Titanium (ref. 675-00)
Preserving its functionality and the general layout, the Ulysse Nardin Sonata Streamline (ref. 675-00) features a slightly upgraded automatic movement with a mechanical alarm module. There is also an absolutely stunning -though some may call it kitschy- exterior appearance with the satin-finished titanium accented with a glossy ceramic bezel and polished rose gold crowns and push-pieces. Yet, to many of us the most interesting part is not the color scheme or the combination of materials, but the gorgeous -both in its complexity and finish- Caliber UN-67 self-movement that the Swiss-based brand designed and manufactured at their own production facilities.
Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver Monaco Limited Edition
Okay, here goes yet another limited edition version of the sporty UN Marine Diver. It is the fourth year in a row that the Swiss watchmaking brand sponsors the annual Monaco Yacht Show. This automatic Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver Monaco (ref. 263-98LE-3C_MON) was issued specifically to celebrate this fact, which is only just considering that the diving companion looks like the best candidate for a nice trip on a newly bought vessel. The new version doesn’t differ too much from other Marine Divers, so I’ll be brief.
Ulysse Nardin Black Sea Chronograph Automatic Diver
UN’s Black Sea line of black rubber-clad divers has recently been updated with a model that features a self-winding chronograph function. Rather predictably called Ulysse Nardin Black Sea Chronograph Automatic (ref. 353-92-3C), the new diving “tool” is supplied in the same gargantuan body as the last year’s Marine Diver Black Sea (Ref. 263-92-3C), but now features a different, a lot more legible combination of colors.
Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Manufacture Automatic
As most of you probably know, Ulysse Nardin has a long history of making precise and reliable marine chronometers that were used by literally thousands of European navigators. The legacy is still there when it comes to the design of their maritime-inspired watches and the automatic Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Manufacture is no exception here. Featuring all the necessary design cues of a maritime chronometer (including a notched bezel,) the watch nevertheless looks elegant enough to be worn with a formal suit, even despite its deliberately oversized case.
Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver Black Sea (Ref. 263-92-3C)
With the new Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver Black Sea (Ref. 263-92-3C), the Swiss watchmaker once again updates its maritime-inspired collection. Looking deliciously un-Rolex with its vulcanized rubber case and eerie black-and-red color scheme, the Black Sea may not be as versatile as a Submariner, but it definitely is as original as money could buy.
Ulysse Nardin Classico COSC-certified chronometer
The 2009 Ulysse Nardin Classico self-winding chronometer takes place of the popular -not to say “iconic”- San Marko. While, for obvious reasons, not selling in quantities similar to their blingy Maxi Marine line of pseudo-divers, this is still one of the most elegant timekeepers in Ulysse Nardin’s current product line-up.