Two new recruits have joined the Marine Torpilleur Military squadron. In black and khaki or bronze and midnight blue, these modern war machines seem to have come straight out of the barracks: casual, comfortable and as minimalist as the torpedo ships that lent them their name.
This spring, Ulysse Nardin pays tribute to its military heritage by expanding its Marine Torpilleur Military collection with two new models in khaki and bronze – two military-style limited editions of 300 pieces each, which are at once formal and relaxed, urban and adventurous, elegant and liberated.
“Military inspiration is a cyclical trend that has infiltrated our wardrobes since the end of the 19th century and which often signals its comeback in fashion week’s spring-summer collections. Why not on our wrists as well?” comments Françoise Bezzola, Marketing and Communications Director of Ulysse Nardin.
“The military’s influence in fashion is so widespread that we barely even notice it anymore. Ulysse Nardin has long been one of the most coveted watchmakers of the 20th century among naval officers, and military style is part of our watches’ DNA. Adding references in khaki and bronze is a natural step in the collection’s evolution.”
Dynamic curves and a clear military stature mark the identity of these two new contemporary watch dynamos – two interpretations that embody the timeless elegance of the military timepieces of yesteryear. Originally featuring either an off-white “eggshell” dial to match a vintage-style light brown leather strap, or a black background with orange Arabic numerals and a black strap with stitching in the same orange of the luminescent indexes, these two new editions are propelled to the forefront of Ulysse Nardin: a full black version in black DLC with black dial, touches of khaki on the indexes and a khaki “trellis fabric” strap, and a bronze version – an “evolving” material – with midnight blue dial.
The choice of bronze, a metal discovered in 3000 B.C. and widely used throughout naval history around the world for its robustness (propellers, diving suits, etc.), makes perfect sense. Non-magnetic, bronze is highly resistant to corrosion thanks to the phenomenon of oxidation, which forms a protective oxide surface layer once stabilized. As such, each case naturally wears with use, ensuring a unique relationship between owner and timepiece. The Military Bronze model features a stainless-steel case back to avoid any risk of allergies.
Water resistant up to 50 meters and stamped with the iconic Torpilleur torpedo ship on the case back, both editions are housed in a majestic crown and a 44 mm case. Equipped with the Manufacture UN-118 movement and a silicon anchor escapement, the model is COSC certified.
The small seconds, located at 6 o’clock, is embellished with the individual number in red. The model, engraved with the initials C.W. (“Chronometer Watch”) proudly displays its reference to military chronometers of the past, whose designs strictly adhered to the codes of the armed forces.
