The 10 Finest Ulysse Nardin Watches of All Time
Ulysse Nardin has a history in watchmaking that spans over 170 years. Since its founding in Switzerland in 1846, the brand has not only produced some gorgeous watches but introduced a number of technological innovations to the watch industry. The craftsmanship and accuracy of Ulysse Nardin timepieces is so superb that at one time over 50 of the world’s navies issued the watches to their service members. The company was acquired and revamped in 1983, and since then it has come up with many unique designs.
Here are the 10 finest Ulysse Nardin watches of all-time.
1. The Stranger – $112,000
The Stranger is a Ulysse Nardin that has a working music box inside it. Its crown doesn’t pull out, and instead has a built in push mechanism that cycles through its various functions. The first release of The Stranger played the Frank Sinatra classic Strangers in the Night. Just 99 pieces of that version were made, each with a face measuring 45 mm in diameter, an alligator strap, 64 precious gems and a 19 karat gold case. The second version of The Stranger was also released in a limited quantity of 99 pieces, but it plays Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto No. 1. This Ulysse Nardin watch is valued at $112,000.
2. Freak Diavolo – $172,800
Ulysse Nardin has a standard Freak watch and then there’s the Freak Diavolo, which features a tourbillon. It has a handsome, sleek design with a case made of 18 karat white gold, a white gold bezel, gray dials, and a premium black leather strap. You can also see the watch’s movement through its transparent face.
3. Platinum Moonstruck – $125,500
The Ulysse Nardin Moonstruck watch is a beautiful timepiece that accurately displays the moon’s phases. It also indicates the positions of the Moon and Sun relative to Earth. At the center of its face is a vibrant image of the earth, with models representing the Sun and Moon surrounding it. The Moonstruck watch has a diameter of 46 mm, a hand painted dial, and platinum case. It’s also water resistant up to a depth of 100 meters. A less expensive version of this watch is available in 18 karat gold with an alligator strap, but the platinum Moonstruck watch is valued at $125,500.
4. Safari Minute Repeater – $325,000
Ulysse Nardin has come up with some detailed designs that break the traditional mold since it was revamped in the 1980s, and one watch that illustrates this trend is the Safari Minute Repeater. The face depicts a score of exotic animals including a monkey, lion, elephant, and giraffe, all set against a background of lush flowers and water. Its bold design is accented by a platinum case, alligator strap, and two dials that have a 3D appearance. The Safari Minute Repeater is water resistant up to 30 meters.
5. The Royal Ruby Tourbillon – $310,000
The Royal Ruby Tourbillon is an exquisite women’s wristwatch that has a design that’s bold, yet feminine. Its 41 mm diameter face has gems including rubies and diamonds, as well as uniquely shaped hands. This Ulysse Nardin creation also has an attractive alligator strap, white diamonds encrusted in the detailing, and a case made of platinum. The Royal Ruby Tourbillon’s production was limited to just 99 pieces.
6. Trilogy Set – $460,000
The Ulysse Nardin Trilogy Set is comprised of not one, but three limited edition watches. All three watches in the set — the Astrolabium, Planetarium, and Tellurium — are made of fine platinum and feature sophisticated detailing and superb accuracy. The Astrolabium was the result of a collaboration between Ulysse Nardin and Dr. Ludwig Oechslin, and the astronomical watch first debuted in 1985. The Planetarium watch was first seen in 1988, and the Tellurium premiered in 1992. Not only do the watches look incredible, they’re packaged in an exclusive, branded leather case. Just 99 Trilogy Sets were created, and the price tag reflects its rarity.
7. Circus Minute Repeater – $312,000
The Circus Minute Repeater is another whimsical and unique design from Ulysse Nardin. However, unlike the Safari Minute Repeater, this wristwatch doesn’t have a colorful face. Instead, engraved golden figures from a circus scene are etched onto the watch. It has a diameter of 42 mm, an 18 karat white and yellow gold case, and a number of intricate details. This watch has a water resistance of up to 30 meters, and its value is approximately $312,000.
8. Genghis Khan – $786,000
Ulysse Nardin’s Gengis Khan watch is available in four distinct versions, the difference being the color schemes on the faces and the metal used for the cases. All designs have beautiful diamonds, a black onyx dial, and a scene showing the historical figure in battle. The Ghengis Khan watch has the distinction of being the first watch made to have a Westminster chime that includes a tourbillon, automatons, and a minute repeater. When the chimes go off or one engages the repeater, the scene on the watch face becomes animated and shows the engraved figures sword fighting.
9. Alexander the Great – $765,000
The Ulysse Nardin Alexander the Great wristwatch depicts none other than the powerful ruler of ancient Greece, Alexander the Great. An engraved scene on a black background shows him mounted on a battle horse facing off against enemies with their swords drawn. This model has a power reserve of 70 hours and is water resistant up to 30 meters. Its alligator strap, sapphire crystal face, and diamond dial make it all the more stylish. The case is available in 18 karat rose gold and white gold.
10. The Royal Blue Tourbillon – $1.1 million
One of the most expensive Ulysse Nardin watches happens to also be among the most remarkable that the brand has ever released. The Royal Blue Tourbillon epitomizes luxury and sophistication, and it’s encrusted with 568 baguette diamonds that weight nearly 33.8 karats total. The design of the Royal Blue Tourbillon also includes 234 baguette cut blue sapphire gems along with one cabochon sapphire and eight diamonds on the crown. This design is dripping with precious stones and the bezel is made of platinum. The Royal Blue Tourbillon isn’t just a stunner in terms of looks, it’s also an amazing performer. It not only has a power reserve of 100 hours, the watch is also water resistant up to 30 meters.
