Introducing – Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar Monaco Edition

At the SIHH 2017, Ulysse Nardin introduced a watch that perfectly sums up what it stands for: a combination of marine roots with a cleverly designed movement, with simplicity in mind. This watch was the Ulysse Nardin Marine Annual Calendar Chronometer. This year, in celebration of 9 years of loyal support for the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show, the brand introduces a dedicated limited edition based on this desirable watch, with a new style – and also a more attractive price.

While the brand is famous for its marine chronometers, which it has manufactured since the second half of the 19th century, its recent history has been marked by technical innovations and a spirit of simplification. Understand here the work of master watchmaker Ludwig Oechslin: making some of the most complex mechanisms in watchmaking to be as simple as possible, meaning accessible to more collectors AND more reliable in the long run (the fewer parts, the fewer possible technical issues…) This was the case with two recent watches: the Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar and the Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar.

Both of them featured the same annual calendar, which, as complex as it is (automatically adjusting to the months with 30 or 31 days, meaning that you need to set your watch only once a year, the 1st of March), Ulysse Nardin managed to create a movement that comprises only 12 extra parts compared to a no-date one – and only 7 extra parts compared to one with date (an annual calendar typically requires up to thirty components). And the best part is that adjustments are done by the crown, both forwards and backwards. User-friendly, isn’t it?

By removing the chronograph complication of the watch, the Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar introduced earlier this year went back to the traditional “Marine Chronometer” display, dear to Ulysse Nardin: power reserve at 12, large Roman numerals, and small second at 6. The good point is that the integration of the calendar is seamless, by the simple addition of a small date window and a hand in the small second sub-dial.

While launched first with a blue enamel dial and a steel case, Ulysse Nardin now introduces a limited edition of the Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar, to celebrate 9 years of support for the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show. This new Monaco Edition (limited to 100 pieces) goes back to a traditional white lacquered dial – with distinctive Roman numerals, a feature of each timepiece in Ulysse Nardin’s Marine collection, but here done in blue, and matching the blued steel hands.

The case, measuring 43mm and crafted in steel, is similar to the other editions, with its integrated lugs and fluted bezel. However the crown is done in blue rubber, thus matching the strap. Inside the case is the in-house calibre UN-113 with silicon escapement and balance-spring, which offers a 60h power reserve and is COSC certified.

The Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar Monaco will be produced in 100 pieces and priced at 9,900 Euro – which means 3,000 Euro less than the blue enamel dial version… Quite an impressive deal for a watch with annual calendar and in-house movement. More details on ulysse-nardin.com.

Specifications – Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar Monaco

• Case: 43mm diameter – stainless steel – sapphire crystal on both sides – 100m water resistant
• Movement: Calibre UN-113, in-house – chronometer COSC certified – silicon escapement and spring – 60h power reserve – 4Hz frequency – time, small second, annual calendar with date and month, power reserve indication
• Strap: blue rubber strap with steel folding clasp
• Reference: 1133-210LE-3/40-MON
• Price: 9,900 Euro / 9,900 CHF
• Availability: 100 pieces