Off Topic » Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronograph 44mm 1503-151-3/93

Ulysse Nardin was born in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1823. At that time, during the long, cold winters, people had to do things other than farming to survive, so in Switzerland, many households produced timekeeping tools. Born into a family of watchmakers, Ulysse Nardin began studying art at an early age under the apprenticeship of his watchmaker father, Léonard-Frédéric Nardin. He then moved on, honing his craft under the tutelage of Frédéric-William Dubois and Louis JeanRichard-dit-Bressel, the master watchmakers of the era.

In 1846, at the age of 23, Ulysse Nardin founded his eponymous brand, headquartered in Le Locle, which has not yet settled down. Despite growing up in the mountains, Ulysse was inspired by the ocean and made nautical timing instruments. He was the first to produce such a precise marine chronometer. He quickly became a popular name on merchant ships and navies around the world. Obsessed with perfection and accuracy, Ulysee Nardin was the best of his time. In 1860, he purchased an astronomically adjusted clock made by Jacques-Frederic Houriet in 1768 in order to more accurately calibrate the timing of his pocket timepiece. His pocket and marine chronometers remain reference products for civilians, military and scientists.

The company soon became known for its minute repeaters, complicated watches and pocket timers.