HANDS-ON: Even sportier, the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Torpilleur in blue
Felix ScholzIt’s fair to say that there’s a fresh new breeze blowing in Ulysse Nardin’s sails these days. There’s a new energy, which has resulted in some great new designs, and refreshed takes on old classics.
Case in point is the Torpilleur, a marine chronometer styled watch, which takes its name — appropriately enough — from agile torpedo boats. It’s a watch we’ve looked at before, but the latest configuration is, if you’ll pardon my colloquialism, freaking hot.
The blue dial is rich and satiny thanks to the starburst finish, crisply painted with white Roman numerals. The dial layout is neat, with power reserve up top, and seconds (with a smoothly integrated date) at the bottom. The notched bezel adds some texture and dynamism to an otherwise pretty classic 42mm case.
Some of the other interesting design elements are the numbered plate on the left-hand flank of the watch, as well as the trademark metal link in the sporty rubber strap. A strap that, it must be said, completely changes the mood of the watch, which I’ve previously seen only on croc.
The movement is about as in-house as it gets, all the way down to the silicon hairspring and escapement, and is built for work, with a decent 60 hours of power. Ulysse Nardin, in general, and the Torpilleur, in specific, is shaping up to be a really interesting option in the daily/dressy category.
If Ulysse Nardin can sustain this energy they’re really shaping up as a brand to keep an eye on. Bring on SIHH 2019.
Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Torpilleur Australian pricing
Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Torpilleur, steel on rubber, $9950