The Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur is a timepiece in classic marine watch style, with its white dial and slender Roman numerals. It has a power reserve indicator at the top and a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, incorporating a circular date window. The name “Torpilleur” refers to torpedo boats, which became part of a navy’s fleet from about 1875, after the invention of the torpedo.
Vintage inspiration
The Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur is basically a lighter, thinner version of the existing Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer. It doesn’t have an enamel dial, and this enables its price to be reduced to virtually entry-level status for this brand (€6,700, compared to €9,900). It is based on a vintage Ulysse Nardin pocket watch that has a very similar dial design.
Case
The case is 42 m in diameter, making it easier to wear than the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer which is 45 mm. It is in stainless steel or rose gold, with a fluted bezel, and finish is superb, with polished areas contrasting with brushed surfaces to create a distinctive appearance on the wrist. It has a 5 bar/50-metre water resistance, and a screw-down crown. The watch has a sapphire crystal window in the caseback revealing the movement, with its circular Cotes de Genève and an elaborate oscillating weight with two realistic anchors. The date can be fast-adjusted forwards or backwards from the crown.
In-house movement
The calibre UN-118 movement is made with some of Ulysse Nardin’s proprietary innovations such as the regulator, in which the balance is fitted with four inertia weights and the hairspring and escapement are in silicium. In particular, the escapement components are made using DIAMonSIL (made by SIgatec, a company that is now part of the Ulysse Nardin group), a material in which synthetic diamond is deposited onto the surface of silicon, greatly reducing friction and the need for lubricants, and therefore extending durability and increasing power reserve. The movement is self-winding and has a power reserve of about 60 hours. It runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hertz) and has 50 jewels. It is chronometer-certified by COSC, and it is delivered with the Ulysse Nardin Performance Certificate.
Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur in rose gold
This version is reference 1182-310/40, with white lacquer dial and leather strap with folding buckle. It costs 17,900 Swiss francs.
Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur, steel, white lacquer dial
This version is reference 1183-310-40, with white dial and leather strap with folding buckle. Price 6,900 Swiss francs, €6,900, with leather strap, €7,600 with steel bracelet.
Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur, steel, blue dial
This version is reference 1183-310-7M/43. Price 6,900 Swiss francs, €6,900, with leather strap, €7,600 with steel bracelet.
Read more at the Ulysse Nardin website.
