This year, you’ll see several very nice watches from Ulysse Nardin, all paying homage to the great heritage of the brand (and believe us, since its inception in 1846, the brand has done A LOT). Recently, UN launched a replica watch as a tribute to the great Ludwig Oeschlin (a replica watch that will soon be under our loupe) and now, we have something drastically different and quite unexpected from the brand; a vintage-inspired dive replica watch… Surprising at first but the result, the Ulysse Nardin Diver Le Locle, is properly cool.
While the current Ulysse Nardin catalogue does comprise various dive replica watches, under the Diver range, the idea of such replica watches in past collections (thinks 1950s, 1960s) doesn’t really ring a bell at first. Of course, everyone know the antique Marine Chronometers (which still greatly inspire the brand and its replica watches) or the developments of innovative movements. However, in terms of vintage dive replica watches, let’s agree, Ulysse Nardin is probably not the first brand we think of. Still, there are a few pieces, and quite interesting ones to be honest. Today, the Le Locle-based manufacture pays tribute to one of them, a 1964 model to be precise, designed for scuba divers, measuring 38mm in diameter and featuring a unique case shape (especially the lugs).
The original 1964 model, inspiration of the 2017 Ulysse Nardin Diver Le Locle (source: Analog Shift)
For 2017, Ulysse Nardin comes with a faithful, yet modernized, re-edition of this 1960s dive replica watch. The replica watch that inspired the new edition is certainly identifiable, with many of the original elements being incorporated, albeit slightly redesigned to meet with current standards / needs / expectations. The case, hands, dial and bezel are all inspired by the 1964 model, and overall, the new Ulysse Nardin Diver Le Locle feels like a spot-on reissue, especially because Ulysse Nardin has been one of the few brands not to overuse the vintage appeal (a rare enough occurrence that it deserves to be mentioned). So for once, we won’t complain about seeing a bit of vintage-appeal.
Vintage-inspired yes, but modernized. The first thing to note is the increased size of the case, as this Ulysse Nardin Diver Le Locle measures 42.2mm (vs. 38mm for the old one), a diameter that makes it seem quite large on paper. However, the replica watch has very thin casebands, combined with a raised bezel and caseback, meaning that it wears thinner than it actually is. Likewise the lugs, which appear rather long, are also somewhat deceptive. Once you put the replica watch on, the Diver Le Locle feels quite compact and sits well, even on smaller wrists (see photo on a 16.5cm wrist).
The originality comes from the shape of the case, and especially the facetted lugs, which give the Diver Le Locle a nice appeal. The whole case is polished steel, and is water resistant to 100m (enough for 99% of occasions in or around the water). This shape is faithful to the vintage version, and so is the bezel and its insert. The bezel itself is black coated, while the insert is aluminum, with a glossy finish. It is secured to the wrist by a fabric / sailcloth strap with pin buckle. Overall, the Diver Le Locle isn’t a real tool replica watch, as it is highly glossy and polished, but this choice fits the vintage-reissue idea quite well.
As for the case, the dial of the Ulysse Nardin Diver Le Locle plays on the key elements of the vintage version but modernizes them, to fit with current standards. Both the matte black color, the shape of the hands and of the indexes, as well as the slightly patinated color of the lume are all tributes to the 1964 model. On the other hand, the replica watch now shows small seconds at 6 (instead of a central second), however the small second hand is still the same glaive shape as in the old days. The date, still present at 3, is now magnified.
This surprising position of the second hand (at least for a dive replica watch) is all due to the presence of a modern, in-house produced movement: the calibre UN 320. This engine features silicium technology (hairspring, escape wheel and pallet fork) and runs at 4Hz, with a 48h power reserve. Its nice decoration won’t be visible, as the Ulysse Nardin Diver Le Locle has a closed back featuring a nice engraving, replicating the 1964 original.
The Ulysse Nardin Diver Le Locle (ref. 3202-950) is now available (April 2017) and is priced at CHF 9,600. More details on www.ulysse-nardin.com.