The Villa Menlo Park will soon be home to the United States' only Ulysse Nardin boutique. With a storied history dating back to the mid-nineteenth century, and a modern brand reinvention marked by innovation and daring, Ulysse Nardin makes a compelling addition to Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry's high-flying independent watchmaker line-up.
Ulysse Nardin’s historical legacy includes leadership in marine chronometers, But not long after the brand’s revival in the 1980s, it became a pioneer in the development of new mechanisms, new constructions, and new materials. This is perfectly exemplified by its Freak watch, perhaps the first groundbreaking super watch of the 21st century. A radical carousel tourbillon with no hands, it boasted a new escapement design that functioned best when rendered in silicium for extra lightness.
In the last few years there have been many changes at the venerable brand. The company was sold back to a consortium of investors and executives, making it a true independent brand. The watches have also undergone a complete design makeover—as seen in watches like the Diver X Skeleton Ops—giving them a much more modern and technical look.
The just-introduced Freak S Nomad reflects the changes afoot at the company. The movement remains unorthodox, yet with a new emphasis on details and finishing, it exudes a more overtly technical character that befits its status. We think you’ll find a similar attraction in the many other pieces the brand can now boast.