Throwback Thursday: Ulysse Nardin Minute Repeater

Ulysse Nardin is a brand that has not only a rich heritage but also a very diverse one. The brand was founded in 1846 in Le Locle, Switzerland, and quickly made a name for itself with its high precision chronometers. While Ulysse Nardin has always thrived in mechanical excellence, they have presented their watches in a wide variety of different styles. Whether it is restrained or progressive, the brand’s most outstanding achievement is most likely that they have all made it their own. Their DNA is undeniably present in all creations, including this exceptional minute repeater from 1950.

Its style is very understated, reminiscent of the San Marco collection of a later date. The three-part case oozes excellence, with clean, seemingly simple lines that give this 36mm watch a lot of character. Because the majority of space is dedicated to the dial, the watch wears larger than one would expect based on its diameter. The dial is another way in which Ulysse Nardin demonstrates its capability to make a big difference with small details. The gloss finish of the dial stands out by the slightly recessed subdial for the seconds, which features a circular guilloche motif. The hour markers add more depth to the dial, with those at three and nine o’clock shaped like small pyramids. The top of the dial offers a strong focal point with an Arabic 12 in gold, placed above the modest printing of Ulysse Nardin’s name and location of their manufacture. The brand placed the minute markers are at the same level as the dial, combining practicality with beauty.

Photo Credit: Phillips

This watch is so discrete that one would almost forget that it houses one of the most coveted complications in watchmaking: a minute repeater. Just a discrete slide on the side of the case is evidence of this. When activated, the manual wound caliber sounds the correct time on two gongs, folded around the movement. It is this understated sense of style that makes this Ulysse Nardin such a very special watch and part of the great legacy of the brand. This particular timepiece was auctioned in 2018 by Phillips and fetched CHF 93,750