Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military US NAVY

amanico · 2018-09-20T05:41:58Z

Explore the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military US NAVY, a 44mm limited edition with Caliber 118. Collectors debate its size, automatic movement, and design nods to history.

amanico

WPS member · Ulysse Nardin forum

24 replies3063 views5 photos

Amanico introduces the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military US NAVY, a limited edition timepiece celebrating the brand's 173rd anniversary and its historical connection to the U.S. Navy. This article delves into the watch's design, its 44mm steel case, and the in-house Caliber 118, highlighting features like the red 24-hour power reserve indicator as a nod to vintage deck chronometers. Amanico also shares his personal wish for an enamel dial on this particular model.

24 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Limited to 173 pieces, to celebrate the 173th birthday of the foundation of the brand, this Marine Torpilleur US NAVY is a 44 mm steel case, housing the in house Cal 118.

As you probably know, Ulysse Nardin won a competition organized by the Washington Naval Observatory, in the early 1900's, and provided the US NAVY.

The 24 of the power reserve in red is a wink to the original models, which the officers that it was time to wind the deck chronometer.

Simple, clean and strong aesthetics, no date, conventional case, this watch is very nice looking.

What do you think?

I have only one regret... I would have loved to see an enamel dial on that watch!

Here a couple of photos of a deck chronometer, from 1919.

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

A manual-wind movement would be more appropriate for a tribute watch, and the 44mm case, especially with a narrow bezel, might wear too large, similar to the 43mm Marine Tourbillon.
While acknowledging the historical reference, the upside-down '24' on the power reserve indicator is a design choice that some find unappealing and difficult to live with.
The watch is appealing, but the absence of manual winding for a limited edition tribute, and the perceived redundancy of a winding indicator on an automatic watch, are noted points.
The watch's aesthetics are generally praised, but concerns about its 44mm size are common, with some hoping it wears smaller on the wrist.
The Ulysse Nardin Caliber 118, with its high-end escapement technology featuring DiamonSil components, is a significant in-house movement that serves as a new base for the Marine series.
The consensus among several contributors is that a 41mm or 42mm case size would have been ideal for this watch, aligning with purist preferences.

The Discussion

Bounce781

Sep 20, 2018

I really like this.

41 or 42mm case would be perfect (Typical purists grumble - too big).

amanico

Sep 20, 2018

Yep, but to be seen in the flesh, it may wear smaller... [nt]

MichaelC

Sep 20, 2018

I like it! I'm not concerned w/ no enamel, but why not manual winding on this limited run?

If the indicator was to remind the guys when to wind, it seems unnecessary here. Not a deal breaker, cool watch!

amanico

Sep 20, 2018

Good points, Michael. A manual winding movement in that one would be terrific! [nt]

Sep 20, 2018

Manual wind would be appropriate for a tribute-type watch such as this one.

I'm also of the opinion that 44mm is too big, especially given the narrow bezel which will make it seem even bigger (based on my experience with the Marine Tourbillion, which is 43mm). I'll add that I dig the UN fabric strap that has come out on a few pieces, including the titanium Freaks. M4

amanico

Sep 20, 2018

The Sailcloth blue strap looks superb, indeed. [nt]