lifestyle
syaW 999
999 Ways
to navigate the seven seas
F
or over 166 years, Swiss watchmaker
Ulysse Nardin has been creating
some of the most reliable marine
chronometers in existence. With its addition
to the Marine Diver collection, the Blue
Seas, this manufacturer from Le Locle firmly
establishes its reputation as a cutting-edge
watchmaker.
For the novice luxury watch follower, allow
us to explain some terminology. A timepiece
does just that – it keeps time. A chronograph
has some advanced movements – watchspeak for additional functionality – that
allows it to measure distinct elements of
time, for instance how fast Usain Bolt can
run the 100 metres at the London Olympics.
Most often, this functionality is controlled
through pushing stop and start buttons
added to the watch. A chronometer, as
produced with regularity by Ulysse Nardin,
is a chronograph of extreme accuracy. Now
you should understand in what company of
watchmaking we are with Ulysse Nardin.
Resolutely anchored in aquatic sports, the
brand new Blue Sea is designed to tackle
extreme conditions. It perfectly combines its
dual function as a diving instrument and a
beautiful watchmaking piece. Blue Sea has a
60
self-winding movement featuring a 42-hour
power reserve indicator, oversized small
seconds and large date display.
Its stainless-steel case, 45.8 millimetres in
diameter, has been specially treated with a
sophisticated vulcanisation process giving
it a blue rubber coating with a remarkable
appearance and a truly comfortable feel. Its
exhibition case-back reveals the self-winding
movement, also blued. The non-moving
metal parts of the movement have been
treated with a stainless blue titanium based
alloy. To enhance its look, a wave pattern
adorns the structured strap and dial. The
hour markers and hour and minute hands
are covered with blue luminescent material
for improved readability. Fitted with a
unidirectional rotating bezel and screwed
crown, the case is water-resistant to 200
metres. The reliability of the Blue Sea is
further strengthened by an exclusive black
ceramic folding clasp and a blue rubber strap
with ceramic components.
This edition is limited to 999 pieces, each
individually numbered and, at the heavy price
tag of approximately R90,000 plus travel
costs, you will have to work fast before they
are gone.