Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Manufacture – Monaco Limited Edition

Ulysse Nardin has a long history in watchmaking and that has led to several iconic timepieces. Take for instance the Freak, that is undeniable an icon in watchmaking history. The (Maxi) Marine Chronometer is maybe less iconic in watchmaking history, but is at least as iconic for the brand, as it’s Ulysse Nardin’s best sold model. This model only gained in importance now it’s being equipped with Ulysse Nardin’s in-house movement, caliber UN-118,that was introduced last year. Shortly for the Monaco Yacht Show, Ulysse Nardin celebrates being the official sponsor for the fifth consecutive year, with Monaco Limited Edition.

The Monaco Yacht Show is from 25 – 28 September and ends with the Only Watch auction, that we told you about yesterday (click here) and many times before that. The Monaco LE is limited to 100 engraved and numbered pieces. With a diameter of 43 mm it is actually based on the normal Marine Chronometer Manufacture 43, that is also equipped with the new in-house movement that was introduced last year.

The titanium and stainless steel case, comes with a blue dial with sailing boats motif and the (for UN) familiar side plate with engraved number of the watch. The Monaco LE is like its siblings water resistant to 100 meters and comes on either a rubber strap with two elements in titanium or on an alligator strap. With the rubber strap it comes at a retail price of € 11.000 Euro, on the alligator strap the price is € 100 Euro more.

The anchor escapement in Caliber UN-118 is produced using DiamonSil, Ulysse Nardin’s “alliance” of silicium and man-made diamond. It is an extremely light but hard material that eliminates friction and removes the need for lubrication of the escapement. After introducing silicium to the watchmaking industry, with the introduction of the Freak, Ulysse Nardin also utilizes this material in their own ‘normal’ in-house movement. Caliber UN-118 is the first member of a family of movements that features an in-house produced and patented DIAMonSIL escapement, the in-house produced oscillator (balance) that is adjustable with four screws and is fitted with a silicium 1.1.1 hairspring

The watch features a 60-hour power reserve indicator and an over-sized small seconds sub dial. The date display is positioned in the second sub dial at 6 o’clock. Printed inside the small seconds sub dial is “Monaco 2013” to accentuate the limitation and in red it reads UN-118.

Modeled for sport and leisure above the surface and below, the Monaco LE addresses the seafaring style of the French Riviera typical for the Ulysse Nardin style. And when these 100 pieces are sold out, you might just make a chance to win Ulysse Nardin’s entry for Only Watch 2013!

A Marine Chronometer Manufacture in a 43 mm large 18-carat rose gold case. This piece unique features an enamel dial that is produced by the well-known enamel dial specialist (and member of the Ulysse Nardin group) Donzé Cadrans. This dial manufacturer also produced enamel dials for Speake-Marin’s Piccadilly with Enamel Dial.

For more information about the Monaco LE, please visit the Ulysse Nardin website. For more info about the Ulysse Nardin for Only Watch 2013, please visit the Only Watch website.