In this project, the elite editors of Chronos Japan get their hands on a hot new model, use it to their heart's content, and give their review. The test watch featured this time is the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur.
It has a beautiful, classic look inspired by the pocket chronometers worn by sea captains during the Age of Discovery.
As it is modeled after a classic practical machine, visibility is excellent.
When one thinks of Ulysse Nardin, one immediately thinks of its history as a great maker of "marine chronometers" (precise marine timepieces) in the 19th century. A marine chronometer is often a large clock used on board a ship during voyages, and its main function is to calculate longitude at sea. The timepiece is housed in a gimbal to keep it horizontal. High precision is of course essential, and most of them feature a power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock and a small second at 6 o'clock. They are housed in distinctive wooden boxes, so many people will have seen them in photos. Of course, there are only a few watch manufacturers that make them, and Ulysse Nardin was at the forefront of them.
For such a brand to create a watch modeled after the Marine Chronometer is a very compelling example of an accurate representation of history. In fact, if you look at the Ulysse Nardin lineup, you'll see that they have formed a "Marine Chronometer" family with numerous models. At this year's SIHH, they announced the "Marine Tourbillon" and "Marine Annual Calendar," models with additional functions that were well-received for their strategic pricing.
Recently, Ulysse Nardin released a new, "hidden gem." This model, named "Marine Torpilleur," is the one we'll be reviewing today. While the existing "Marine Chronometer," a member of the family, has a diameter of 45mm, this Marine Torpilleur has a diameter of 42mm. The thickness of the sides is also kept to a minimum. The price is also very close to the company's entry price of 800,000 yen for the stainless steel version. This is a very powerful watch in the sense that it appeals to a wider range of people.
As it is modeled after a classic marine chronometer, the dial is extremely easy to read. The clean white dial features printed Roman numerals, a power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock, and a large seconds dial and small date display at 6 o'clock. The hour and minute hands, newly designed for this model, as well as the sub-dial hands, are all blued steel. The extremely narrow bezel, needless to say, widens the dial opening and improves visibility. The bezel is entirely fluted, a wonderful design accent that further enhances the three-dimensional effect from the side view. The clearance between the hands and the dial is also excellent, and the curved tip of the minute hand creates a classic atmosphere.
Automatic (Cal. UN-118). Approximately 60 hours of power reserve. Stainless steel (diameter 42 mm). Water resistant to 50 meters. 80 yen (excluding tax).
One thing I was happy about when operating the watch (well, only the crown) was that the date display can be reversed. Those who don't particularly like date displays can get annoyed by the moment when you accidentally move the date forward by one day and then have to adjust the display for the entire month, but Ulysse Nardin has traditionally implemented a reverse date display for both its perpetual calendar and annual calendar, so the fact that they've followed that tradition is a big plus.
Now it's time to try it on. I noticed from the beginning that the sides of the case are concave, giving it a very three-dimensional finish. Furthermore, the contact area between the case back and the wrist is reduced, making it very comfortable to wear. Once the holding buckle is properly positioned, I was surprised at how comfortable it was to wear, even though it's 42mm in diameter.
This watch is equipped with the Ulysse Nardin in-house caliber UN-118. It features a silicon escapement, which the company was known for being one of the first to research, develop, and adopt. The bridges have a circular grain finish, and the sides are precisely chamfered. The balance bridge is double-supported. Needless to say, it is a free-sprung model. As the name suggests, it is a COSC-certified chronometer. While silicon escapements are used by a relatively large number of manufacturers, the absolute number is still relatively small. This fact also helps differentiate the Marine Torpilleur, which is equipped with this movement, from other products in the same segment.
Finally, let's touch on the origin of the name Torpilleur. In the 19th century, when many explorers set out on voyages, only captains were allowed to carry pocket chronometers called "Torpilleurs," which, like marine chronometers, were made with high precision. By wearing the Marine Torpilleur, which pays homage to the high-precision timepieces of the past, you may be able to experience the same feelings as the captains of yesteryear. (End)
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