Pioneers
of precision

Anchored in the Swiss town of Le Locle, Ulysse Nardin is the independent, integrated manufacture that has continuously reset the boundaries of watch engineering and design since 1846 thanks to its long-established technical excellence and its unconventional approach to watchmaking.

1846 - 1982

A Leader In Chronometry

Ulysse Nardin was destined for greatness in the world of horology.

Born in 1823 to a watchmaker father, Ulysse Nardin was trained from a young age in intricate complications and founded his haute horlogerie workshop in 1846 in Le Locle, Switzerland.

Ulysse Nardin ventured into crafting high-precision marine deck chronometers in the mid-19th century to meet the growing demand for accurate timekeeping, essential for naval navigation and the conquest of new territories. By 1862, he had already won his first chronometry gold medal, a testament to his skill and dedication.

Ulysse Nardin was destined for greatness in the world of horology.

Over the years, Ulysse Nardin became renowned for producing the most precise marine deck chronometers in Switzerland, aiding over 50 navies in their explorations and conquests. No other manufacture has produced as many marine chronometers as Ulysse Nardin.

Over a span of 100 years, 77% of marine chronometers tested by the Astronomical Observatory of Neuchâtel were manufactured by Ulysse Nardin. The Manufacture's legacy of precision extended beyond naval applications, with Ulysse Nardin chronographs being used in scientific expeditions and sports competitions, including the Olympic Games.

Ulysse Nardin’s advances in chronometry were groundbreaking. In 1883, the Manufacture became the first to use a palladium hairspring in marine chronometers, significantly enhancing their accuracy.

This very spirit of innovation is a cornerstone of Ulysse Nardin’s identity, with the brand winning over 4,300 watchmaking chronometry awards, including 18 gold medals at major international fairs.

Ulysse Nardin

1846-1876

The founder who dreamed beyond the Jura Mountains and set the foundation for Ulysse Nardin’s legacy. His pioneering spirit marked the beginning of Ulysse Nardin’s journey.

Ulysse Nardin creates his Workshop

1846

Adjustment workshop of the Ulysse Nardin Manufacture, circa 1925.

Ulysse Nardin wins his first gold medal at the London World Fair.

1862

The Prize Medal constitutes the highest distinction awarded to pocket chronometers.

1865

Ulysse Nardin establishes his workshop at Rue du Jardin 5 in Le Locle, the brand’s current location.

Paul-David Nardin

1876-1917

Ulysse’s son, who continued his father’s legacy with remarkable innovations. Paul-David's dedication to precision and excellence ensured Ulysse Nardin's dominance in chronometry.

Paris Universal Exhibition, 1889. The Grand Prix and Gold Medal were awarded to Paul David Nardin.

1903

Paul-David Nardin presents his first new marine chronometers made with his own blanks.

These chronometers occupied the top seven places at the Neuchâtel Chronometry Contest, it's a masterstroke.

1946

On the brand’s 100th anniversary, it is revealed that 77% of marine chronometers awarded by the Neuchâtel observatory were from Ulysse Nardin.

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1983 - 2000

A pioneer in Complications

Two decades of pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.

In 1983, amidst the quartz crisis that saw many Swiss watchmakers struggling, Rolf Schnyder, a visionary Swiss-German entrepreneur, acquired Ulysse Nardin after 5 generations of Nardin.

Schnyder, along with master watchmaker Ludwig Oechslin, pushed the boundaries of watchmaking by introducing revolutionary complications.

Two decades of pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.

Their collaboration led to the creation of the Trilogy of Time, including the Astrolabium Galileo Galilei, a wristwatch with 21 complications, which entered the Guinness World Records in 1988.

Ulysse Nardin continued to innovate with the San Marco in 1989, the first wristwatch minute repeater with Jacquemart automata on the dial, followed by the Hourstriker in 1992. Together, Rolf & Ludwig also introduced pioneering creations such as the GMT with quick-setting in 1994 and the world's first perpetual calendar that could be set in both directions via the crown in 1996.

Rolf W. Schnyder

1983 - 2011

The innovator who revived Ulysse Nardin during the quartz crisis. His bold vision and refusal to succumb to industry trends redefined Ulysse Nardin’s approach to watchmaking.

Ludwig Oechslin

1983 - NOW

The genius watchmaker and engineer who supported Ulysse Nardin's resurgence during the quartz crisis. Partnering with Rolf Schnyder, Oechslin created groundbreaking timepieces such as the Trilogy of Time and the Freak.

Rolf W. Schnyder & Ludwig Oechslin

1985

Ludwig Oechslin invents the Astrolabium Galileo Galilei wristwatch.

1988

Launch of the Planetarium Copernicus wristwatch.

1989

San Marco minute repeater with Jacquemart Automaton on the dial

1992

Completion of the "Trilogy of Time" with the Tellurium Johannes Kepler.

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2001 - PRESENT

A TRAILBLAZER IN MODERN WATCHMAKING

The turn of the millennium marked a new era for Ulysse Nardin with the introduction of the Freak in 2001.

This groundbreaking timepiece revolutionized traditional watchmaking with its avant-garde design, innovative mechanism, and pioneering use of silicon technology. The Freak's unique concept, featuring no dial, hands, or crown, established Ulysse Nardin as a pioneer in contemporary watchmaking. Its bold departure from conventional design principles highlighted the brand's willingness to push boundaries and redefine the art of timekeeping.

In 2007, Ulysse Nardin introduced a ground-breaking innovation with the launch of the Freak DIAMonSIL, featuring a dual Ulysse escapement made of DIAMonSIL, or diamond-coated silicon, achieved by depositing a layer of diamond on a silicon substrate.

This period also saw the introduction of the Moonstruck in 2009, a revolutionary timepiece that indicated moon phases and tidal patterns around the world, further cementing the brand's reputation for high complications.

In its contemporary history, Ulysse Nardin has continued to affirm its status as a Manufacture dedicated to both innovation and the preservation of ancestral craftsmanship.

As pionneers in silicon components manufacturing, Ulysse Nardin and Mimotec founded Sigatec. Since its creation in 2006, Sigatec specialises in the manufacture of silicon micromechanical components.

Blast Free Wheel Marquetry

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In 2011, Ulysse Nardin also acquired Donzé Cadrans. The Donzé Cadrans workshop, based in Le Locle, is recognized around the world for its exceptional specialized skills in the field of enamel dials, intended particularly for prestigious timepieces and Haute Horlogerie.

Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon

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In 2015, the commitment of Ulysse Nardin's teams to constantly pushing the limits of what is possible was rewarded as the Ulysse Anchor model won first prize in the Tourbillon category at the GPHG Geneva contest, featuring a revolutionary constant power escapement.

Under the leadership of Patrick Pruniaux since 2017, Ulysse Nardin has continued to thrive, expanding the iconic Freak collection with models like the Freak X, Freak ONE, and Freak S.

Freak X Ti Blue

Freak Ø 43 mm, Titanium / blue PVD case, Calf leather strap

Freak ONE

Freak Ø 44 mm, Titanium / 18 ct gold case, Textured rubber strap

Freak S

Freak Ø 45 mm, Titanium / gold / ceramic case, "Gummy-effect" openworked alligator strap

True to its deeply rooted pioneering DNA, Ulysse Nardin regained its independence in 2022, becoming the first in the industry to achieve a Management Buy-Out.

Empowered by a renewed sense of flexibility, agility, and creative freedom, Ulysse Nardin released the Freak ONE in 2023, inspired by the original Freak from 2001. This new model won the "Iconic Watch" prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2023, a testament to its lasting impact on the watchmaking industry.

Freak ONE

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2001

Launch of the Freak, the first watch to use silicon components.

Ulysse Nardin's pioneering use of silicon was initially seen as unconventional, but eventually, other prestigious brands later recognized its potential and adopted the technology.

2003

Inauguration of the La Chaux-de-Fonds site specializing in the development of movement and design.

2007

Introduction of the Innovision I - Ulysse Nardin's vision of the future - 10 patented technological innovations united in a concept watch.

2009: Launch of the Moonstruck revolutionary timepiece that indicatess the moon phases and the Tides around the world.

2015

Ulysse Anchor model won the first prize in GPHG Geneva contest in the category of Tourbillon with revolutionary constant power escapement

2017

Launch of the Innovision II concept watch with 10 patented Innovations.

2022

Ulysse Nardin regains independence, bringing flexibility and long-term vision.

Patrick Pruniaux and his management team led the first MBO of Switzerland’s high-end watchmaking industry.

2023

The Freak ONE wins the "Iconic Watch" prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.

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Pioneers of precision

Ulysse Nardin was destined for greatness in the world of horology.

Ulysse Nardin was destined for greatness in the world of horology.

Two decades of pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.

Two decades of pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.

Ludwig Oechslin invents the Astrolabium Galileo Galilei wristwatch.

Launch of the Planetarium Copernicus wristwatch.

Completion of the "Trilogy of Time" with the Tellurium Johannes Kepler.

The turn of the millennium marked a new era for Ulysse Nardin with the introduction of the Freak in 2001.

Launch of the Freak, the first watch to use silicon components.

Inauguration of the La Chaux-de-Fonds site specializing in the development of movement and design.

Introduction of the Innovision I - Ulysse Nardin's vision of the future - 10 patented technological innovations united in a concept watch.

Ulysse Anchor model won the first prize in GPHG Geneva contest in the category of Tourbillon with revolutionary constant power escapement

Launch of the Innovision II concept watch with 10 patented Innovations.

Ulysse Nardin regains independence, bringing flexibility and long-term vision.

The Freak ONE wins the "Iconic Watch" prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.

Pioneers
of precision