Hands-On – Ulysse Nardin Classico Paul David Nardin
This year, Ulysse Nardin is on the rush… After the impressive collection launched at the SIHH 2017, which showed more modern and more refined designs, yet “very Ulysse” in the style, we now have a succession of several rather surprising watches, with a vintage-inspired theme. After the Diver Le Locle, a dive watch inspired by a 1960s timepiece, here is now the Ulysse Nardin Classico Paul David Nardin, this time referring to a 1945 watch. And once again, the look is just superb.
Editor’s Note: Most of the time the old adage of a picture being worth a thousand words is tired and overused. But sometimes it’s true. This is one of those cases. Sure, my 500-odd words of information and opinion are great and all (pats self on back), but they pale in comparison to the stunning crispness of the photos. Jason has done an incredible job of capturing this mercurial piece. Hublot should probably get some of the credit too, for creating such a downright desirable watch. If you look at watches on a regular basis (we’re guessing you do), it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of ever-escalating novelties that defines the industry – because let’s not forget, for all the talk of savoir-faire and timelessness, this is an industry. Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing what creativity and innovation can be packed in a 45mm case, but it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that a watch doesn’t need to have a brand new in-house movement, multiple tourbillons laid out in the shape of a swan or a dial crafted from the tears of a fallen angel to be a beautiful, lustworthy object. …a watch doesn’t…
Oris seem to be going from strength to strength, releasing smart watch designs – like the Divers Sixty-Five – that impress critics and customers alike. This year it’s time for their modern diver, the Aquis, to shine. The entire collection has been revamped – it’s still big and bold, but it’s a little less blocky. Oris also released the Artelier Calibre 113, with loads of calendar complications (though truth be told, we’re still wondering who would use a week indicator), as well as some hot new heritage pieces: the old-school pilot that is the Big Crown 1917 and the funky cushion-cased Chronoris Date. All up it’s another strong year for the Hölstein-based brand, which is great news if you’re in the market for a well-priced mechanical.
