In the previous eight editions of Only Watch, a total of 70 million euros was raised to support the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This plays a vital role in finding a cure for this terrible disease. For watch brands, it is an opportunity to do good and showcase their abilities. This works two ways, as it results in truly unique watches that are so tempting that they will only raise more money for the cause. Yesterday we showed you already some of our favorites, and today we do that again, as also the following ones are too good to pass up:

It is almost Fathers Day again, that time of the year to surprise dad with something special to show our appreciation for all he has done and is still doing. The most precious gift is the time we spend together with him. However, to also give him a constant reminder of how you value him when you cannot be together, a watch might be an appropriate gift. Such as one of the following four:

After the Freak X Razzle Dazzle launch, Ulysse Nardin continues to impress as it introduces us to the Freak X Marquetry. This traditional and very demanding technique is usually executed in natural materials, such as wood, straw, and feathers. However, if there is one material that has had a profound impact on the (recent) history of Ulysse Nardin, it is silicium. The brand started using it as early as 2001 and has proven to be one of the trailblazers in the industry, bringing this technology and their watches to the next level. They now do the same with the art of marquetry as they launch the world's very first silicium marquetry watch.

The Freak X is a watch that already makes a powerful visual impact. With part of its gear train placed on the dial side, accompanied by a high-tech flying carrousel, is it a true horological delicacy that won't go unnoticed. With the new Freak X Razzle Dazzle makes Ulysse Nardin the watch, even more, an eyecatcher. The pattern is reminiscent of that of zebra's, who use it to conceal themselves and confuse their predators. Especially in World War I, the British Royal Navy painted their ships with a similar pattern, hoping to confuse enemy ships to such extent that it was hard(er) for them to place a hit. It later on also became quite a popular pattern within the art scene.

Ulysse Nardin is continuing its path of combining classic watchmaking with disruptive creations at Watches & Wonders 2021. They showcase not only the brands' expertise and craftsmanship but also their future-minded nature and eye for tantalizing design. They achieve this by pushing the boundaries of not only themselves but watchmaking as a whole, serving existing connoisseurs, as well as a new generation of watch collectors.

Few watches are as mesmerizing as the Tourbillon Free Wheel by Ulysse Nardin. With its parts seemingly at random scattered over the dial, with sometimes not even a visible connection between them, is it almost a mystery how it functions. That has also been precisely the aim of Ulysse Nardin, which thrives by creating watches like this. They are not only technically innovative but also feature an avant-garde design. With a diameter of 44mm is the watch large, but the creative shape of the lugs ensures excellent wearing comfort, even on smaller wrists.

Inter Miami CF star and World Cup champion Blaise Matuidi celebrated his Haute Living Miami cover with Ulysse Nardin at 57 Ocean.

Throughout its rich history has Ulysse Nardin made a name for itself by creating striking and technically advanced watches. Unique is that these two elements are not only in harmony with each other but actually reach synergy. This is also evident in the new Skeleton X Sparkling collection, which offers a contemporary take on luxury.

In many ways, 2020 was not an ordinary year. The Covid-19 pandemic left its marks everywhere. Lockdowns not only slowed down international travel but also confined us more and more into our own direct surroundings. This required tremendous perseverance and ingenuity to keep businesses afloat and remain in contact with those that matter. At first, it looked like the watch industry would take a direct hit. Jewelers worldwide were forced to close their doors, trade shows where canceled, and even many manufactures had to stop production for a while due to the Covid-19 outbreak in Switzerland. But as the pandemic continued, the market recovered. Jewelers sold more online than ever before, with a strong demand for the latest models and an intensified interest in vintage watches. Many watch brands had already planned their releases for this year prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, so the effect on that will be more visible next year. However, 2020 was a year worthwhile in watchmaking, of which the following were amongst the hottest releases.

Ulysse Nardin has always had a strong connection with the ocean. This is evident not only from their watches but also from the events that they sponsor. They are, for example, the official timekeeper of the Vendée Globe. This challenging yacht race takes place every four years, in which the participants have to sail a total of 21,638 nautical miles (40,075 kilometers) non-stop and unassisted from start to finish. However, Ulysse Nardin is also doing more, as they have set up a special research unit dedicated to studying sustainable innovation for watchmaking projects.

For a limited time, Watches of Switzerland Soho Boutique will be debuting select timepieces from the Geneva Watch Fair for the first time in the U.S.

Designing and developing new watches is not always as easy as it looks. They need to stay true to the DNA of the brand, yet at the same time also tantalize the senses of existing clients, and preferably some new ones as well. The DNA of Ulysse Nardin has always been very expressive, which has resulted in an instantly recognizable style. Their watches often take us in the uncharted territory of design, presenting us with models beyond our imagination, yet that feels like such an organic expansion of the existing collection. This is also the case with the Blast, the brands' latest creation that they just launched during the Geneva Watch Days.

'One More Wave' is a unique charity that helps wounded and disabled veterans with customized surfing equipment and connects them to a worldwide community of volunteers to catch some waves together and relish their therapeutic power. These surfboards are all handmade in the workshop of 'One More Wave' in San Diego, California. While these boards would typically cost $2,500 but are entirely free for the disabled and wounded veterans, the organization serves. They can do this thanks to volunteers, donations, sponsors, and partners like Ulysse Nardin and Watches of Switzerland.

For the first time in brand history, Ulysse Nardin has launched its e-commerce site for the US & UK, starting with the DIVER X NEMO POINT watch.

Haute Time held a special webinar this afternoon with Ulysse Nardin President of Americas François-Xavier Hotier, and retired Navy SEAL Senior Chief and Managing Director of non-profit One More Wave, Kyle Buckett. They engaged in a conversation about the value of time under current conditions and the relationship that has developed between the luxury brand and the non-profit organization that serves veterans.

Boiling hot or ice-cold? Whatever your preference, Ulysse Nardin is now offering both of these extremes in two new versions of their Freak X model. Introduced in 2019, the Freak X took the legacy of this extraordinary Ulysse Nardin collection to new heights by offering many of its highlights into a smaller and more affordable package. Fitted into a 43mm case, we find caliber UN-230. As always, with the Freak makes its carrousel-type movement the balance wheel an intricate part of telling time. Prominently placed on the dial side as part of the minute hand, is it quite the eyecatcher. For optimum performance, Ulysse Nardin made it out of silicon and fitted it with micro-blades and nickel flyweights for stabilization.