Ulysse Nardin Lights Up Bay Of Monaco With Grand Feu Enamel

Ulysse Nardin Lights Up Bay Of Monaco With Grand Feu Enamel

Adrienne Faurote
By Adrienne Faurote October 2, 2019

Last week, the Monaco Yacht Show welcomed lovers of sumptuous yachts, incredible destinations and luxury getaways in Port Hercules. In the idyllic setting, Ulysse Nardin—the official sponsor of the show—presented its new arrival in a limited edition of 100 pieces— the Marine Torpilleur Monaco Yacht Show. Since its very beginnings, Ulysse Nardin has focused its attention on the nautical world. With this new timepiece, the Swiss Manufacture reaffirms its standing as the watchmaker of the seas.

Ulysse Nardin
Courtesy Ulysse Nardin

The watchmaker enjoys the mastery of this craft within its own corporate structure thanks to Donzé Cadrans, owned by Ulysse Nardin, which produces enamel dials in keeping with the purest traditions. Dial enameling is an age-old craft for which formal training no longer exists—today’s craftsmen are all trained in the workshop.

The Grand Feu enamel technique is a delicate, ancestral practice. The term “Grand Feu Enamel” refers to the vitrification of mineral materials. All of the work is carried out by hand and it is not unheard of for the dial to break throughout these different operations, making these creations all the more precious and sought after.

Ulysse Nardin
Courtesy Ulysse Nardin

The Marine Torpilleur timepieces take their name from torpedo ships, small and very agile old vessels used in the 19th century. Perfectly suited to modern city life, the Marine Torpilleur is at once extremely comfortable on the wrist and pleasing to the eye. A true captain’s chronometer-certified by the COSC and Ulysse Nardin, it embodies the best of contemporary watchmaking design and the peak of craftsmanship and expertise going back several generations.

Ulysse Nardin
Courtesy Ulysse Nardin

Elegant, elongated blue roman numerals and graceful pear-shaped steel hands indicate the hours. The screwed-down crown is engraved with the Ulysse Nardin logo. At 6 o’clock, on the small seconds subdial, lie the date aperture and the inscriptions “Monaco Yacht Show” and “09.19” in red, a reminder of the annual event held in the principality. The date aperture reveals the numbers 25, 26, 27 and 28 in red to highlight the dates of the show. The timepiece rests on a blue alligator strap with white ‘point-de-bride’ stitches—a final nod to the nautical world.

“Ulysse Nardin’s long nautical heritage makes the full meaning of this partnership clear. The MYS and Ulysse Nardin share a passion for the sea, for luxury, for precision and the quest for innovation. We are extremely proud to join forces with the Monaco Yacht Show for the 11th consecutive year,” said Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Ulysse Nardin.

Ulysse Nardin
Courtesy Ulysse Nardin

The watch is driven by the UN-118 Manufacture movement. This automatic-winding caliber, featuring a power reserve of 60 hours (indicated by a subdial at 12 o’clock) and equipped with a silicon anchor escapement, is a gem entirely designed by the Maison.