Ulysse Nardin SIHH 2017 Enamel Dials & Novelties

Key Points from the Discussion

• The inclusion of a date window on several enamel dial models, such as the Paul David Nardin and Classico Marine Torpilleur, was a controversial design choice, with many collectors feeling it compromised the purity and legibility of the beautiful enamel work.
• Despite the date window debate, the Marine Tourbillon was praised for its enamel dial and relatively accessible price point, making high horology more attainable.
• A contributor questioned Ulysse Nardin's exhibition strategy post-acquisition by the same investment group as Girard-Perregaux, and sought clarity on the brand's current management.
• The Paul David Nardin's blued seconds hand and the Ludwig's blued hour/minute hands were noted as attractive details that enhance the collection's appeal, though not always apparent in all photographs.
• The author confirmed that the Marine Torpilleur and Perpetual Ludwig 'vintage' re-issues also featured date holes, and acknowledged the difficulty and potential impact of piercing small holes in enamel dials.
• A long-time collector pointed out that Ulysse Nardin's plain enamel dials have historically featured date windows for the past two decades, suggesting that more customers likely desire the date display than are deterred by it.