The tradition of Ulysse Nardin watches began in 1846. Ulysse Nardin established his company in 1846 and throughout the course of 150 years of watchmaking, the company has been widely respected as a specialist in marine chronometers. Ulysse Nardin was first trained in horology by his father, Leonard-Frederic Nardin. He later perfected his skills under the supervision of master watchmakers Frederic William Dubois and Louis JeanRichard-dit-Bressel. Ulysse Nardin marine chronometer watches are among the most reliable and accurate ever made and are still sought by collectors around the world. The company has commissioned accurate timepieces for the navies of nearly 50 different countries. In 1862, Ulysse Nardin was awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor in the category of complicated watches as well as pocket chronometers at the London International Exhibition.
In 1876, Ulysse Nardin died suddenly and his young son, Paul-David Nardin, took over the watch company.In the 1980s, the company re-introduced the vivid craft of cloisonné watches. In 1996, the company released the 1846 Chronometer to commemorate its 150th anniversary. This release was followed by the release of other noteworthy watches including the Freak and the Sonata. Ulysse Nardin prides itself on its reputation for quality and mechanical innovation. The company has been recognized with accolades from around the world including 18 gold medals in Chronometer Contests and more than 4,300 awards in international competitions.
The heart and soul of the Ulysse Nardin line is the prestigious Marine series including the Maxi Marine, the Marine Chronograph and the Marine Chronometer 1846. The company also offers a number of additional collections that have become popular throughout the watchmaking community. The Ulysse Nardin Complication Watch Collection is the most technologically advanced line that the company offers. Many of the watches in this collection were designed by Ludwig Oeschlin; such as the Freak Blue Phantom, the Freak Diablo, the Genghis Khan, the Royal Blue Tourbillon and the Circus Minute Repeater. Ulysse Nardin also features a line of Perpetual Calendar watches, which has the “quick setting” technology and an oversized date display. Other collections in the Ulysse Nardin line of watches include the Michelangelo, the San Marco, the Kremlin Set, GMT Big Date, and a series of Caprice watches designed specifically for women.