Ulysse Nardin presenting two limited editions for the Monaco Yacht Show

The principality of Monaco, nestled in a corner on the Mediterranean coast in between France and Italy, has always had an irresistible attraction to the rich and famous. Whether it is through the world-famous Casino, the long-standing Monaco Grand Prix, or the luxurious Monaco Yacht Show, it’s a playboy’s playground really. And of course, where marine life is concerned, marine chronometry is never far away. Ulysse Nardin, the official sponsor of the annual event for over a decade, presents the Ulysse Nardin Diver Monaco Yacht Show and Marine Mega Yacht on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the first Monaco Yacht Show.

What started as an event-oriented to yacht-brokers, people who connect supply and demand if you will has turned into a leading, luxurious gathering of hand-selected yacht manufacturers and affiliated companies. In the 20 years of existence, with 2020 being cancelled for obvious reasons, the show has expanded into the luxury world beyond yachts, with luxury brands and high-end automobile manufacturers.

The location for the event is of course Monaco’s Port Hercules harbour, which we all know too well from things like the Monaco Grand Prix that’s held every year. Every year a selection of the finest yachts are invited for one of the spots available in the harbour. Other than that, about 600 exhibitors are participating, from brokers to suppliers, to shipbuilders, etc.

Of course, everything is catered to the life of the super-wealthy, those able to spend millions on an extravagant yacht. But the show is open to the public, so if you fancy checking out some of the stuff on display, you’re able to do so. The 2021 edition of the Monaco Yacht Show runs from the 22nd to the 25th of September. The show’s organizers state it is a COVID-19 safe event, by the way, so rest assured if you’re interested in attending.

It’s no coincidence Ulysse Nardin is tied in with the Monaco Yacht Show, as the brand has a very rich history in the development of marine chronometry and precision navigational instruments. Ever since the brands founding, in 1864, it has built a reputation of providing over fifty navies and shipping companies with marine chronometers. Even today, through collections like the Marine, Marine Torpilleur, and Diver, the maritime connection is alive and kicking.

With such a background, and connection to such a show, it’s only natural to dress up the emblematic Diver and Marine collection for the occasion. Both a robust tool-like instrument and a proper Haute-Horlogerie timepiece have been selected to represent both the brand and the event as best as possible.

Ulysse Nardin Marine Mega Yacht Monaco Yacht Show Limited Edition

Up first is a truly provocative piece, one that will surely divide opinions; the Ulysse Nardin Marine Mega Yacht. First presented in platinum, this limited edition of 30 pieces now features a rose gold case. This proper Haute-Horlogerie timepiece is a play on the marine life associated with Ulysse Nardin and in extent the Monaco Yacht Show of course.

The enamel dial is made in-house and adorned with a stylized bow of a ship. Other than that, there are numerous other references to the (super) yachting life. A chain-and-anchor power reserve indicator, for instance, is connected to the windlass you can see at twelve o’clock. This is similar to a ship’s winching system for the anchor. Furthermore, there’s the outer cage of the flying tourbillon that is shaped like a propellor.

But the watch is not all show and no go, as it has additional useful indications for marine life. There’s a large 3D moonphase and an indicator of tidal coefficients and volumes. The UN-631 caliber is developed in-house, and as said regulated by a flying tourbillon. The power reserve is a healthy 80 hours. The Ulysse Nardin Marine Mega Yacht is limited to 30 pieces and has a price of CHF 266,800.

Quick facts – 44mm diameter – rose gold case, polished – sapphire crystal on both sides – grand feu enamel dial with ship’s bow – central hour and minute hand – UN6310 calibre, in-house – hand-wound – 504 components – 80-hour chain-and-anchor style power reserve indicator – windlass at 12 o’clock – 3D spherical moonphase – tidal coefficient and volume indicator – one-minute flying tourbillon – limited edition of 30 pieces – EUR 266,800

Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronograph Monaco Yacht Show Limited Edition

The second watch presented, is a lot less complicated and quite honestly, the more practical of the two for everyday use. The Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronograph Monaco Yacht Show Limited Edition incorporates the use of red, white, and blue throughout the watch for a sporty, maritime look. The 44mm wide case is made from titanium, as is the bezel, screw-down crown, and pushers. On top, and on the reverse side, there’s a sapphire crystal. Water-resistance is rated at 300 meters.

The rubber-clad bezel and rubber bracelet, with signature UN link, match the blue used on the chronograph counters. The dial is largely in white, with red details livening it up a bit. Large hour markers and hands make it easy to tell the time at a glance. Underneath the sapphire crystal caseback, you can see the in-house UN-150 chronograph movement, equipped with a silicium escapement. For more details on this movement, and the Diver Chronograph collection, see here.

The Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronograph Monaco Yacht Show is limited to 100 pieces, with a retail price of EUR 11,300.

Quick facts – 44mm diameter – titanium case with screw-down crown and pushers – sapphire crystal on both sides – inverted concave rotating bezel – 300m water resistance – white dial with blue chronograph counters and red details – UN-150 chronograph movement, in-house – silicium escapement – hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph indications, date – 48h power reserve – limited edition of 100 pieces – EUR 11,300

For more information, please visit MonacoYachtShow.com and UlysseNardin.com.