Ulysse Nardin

Founded in 1846 in Le Locle (Switzerland) by Ulysse Nardin, the brand is world-renowned for its historic role in developing high-precision marine chronometers—critical instruments that enabled merchant and naval fleets from more than 50 countries to navigate and calculate geographic longitude on the high seas.

Ulysse Nardin's landmark modern contribution to fine watchmaking was the 2001 launch of the Freak, widely considered the watch that ushered in the era of modern silicon watchmaking. The Freak abandoned traditional hands, dial, and crown, using its own rotating movement to tell time and incorporating the first-ever pure silicon (Silicon/Silicium) escape components in history.

The brand remains at the technological forefront in the use of microstructured physics materials (such as diamonSIL, a silicon compound coated in synthetic diamond), combining this engineering with classic artisanal techniques like Grand Feu enameling.