Ulysse Nardin, a brand revered for its long-standing heritage since its founding in 1846, has been quietly establishing its modern reputation as a cutting-edge watchmaker. Initially known for crafting marine chronometers for various navies, the company has shifted gears in recent decades to focus on bold, avant-garde designs. Among its groundbreaking offerings is the Freak, a revolutionary timepiece that eliminates conventional dials and hands, instead relying on innovative silicon components. This model has paved the way for many other high-end, forward-thinking watches that challenge traditional designs.
Among Ulysse Nardin’s notable creations is the Royal Sapphire Ruby, an evolution of a limited-edition sapphire watch from 2010. This striking piece features a largely transparent design accentuated with vibrant red spinel, offering a unique pop of color. Crafted from a single block of lab-grown sapphire, the 44 mm case is expertly machined with diamond-cutting and CNC tooling techniques, maintaining a remarkable height of just 12 mm, despite its intricate mechanics. Inside the transparent casing is the Ulysse Nardin cal. UN-79, a hand-wound movement with visually stunning white sapphire and lab-grown ruby spinel bridges, creating an almost invisible effect of the mechanisms. To add to its allure, the watch features a flying tourbillon situated at 6 o’clock, along with a substantial power reserve of 100 hours when fully wound. Limited to only eight pieces, the Ruby variant of the watch retails for $328,000, capturing the interest of affluent collectors, including tech moguls who sport such luxury effortlessly.
The latest addition to Ulysse Nardin’s clientele is Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg, who has rapidly established himself as a noteworthy modern watch collector. Despite being relatively new to the world of horology, Zuckerberg has shown a willingness to explore unconventional brands and models that seasoned collectors might reserve for later in their journeys. His collection hints at a discerning taste, showcasing pieces from niche makers like De Bethune and H. Moser.
In other watch-related news, Glen Powell made a fashionable appearance in a Canadian tuxedo complemented by an Omega De Ville Tresor, flawlessly pairing the classic timepiece with a denim ensemble. While the Tresor might not enjoy the same level of fame as Omega’s Speedmaster or Seamaster collections, its elegant design and dressy appeal certainly make it a standout piece.
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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes drew attention with his sporty Hublot Big Bang Original 20th Anniversary Red Magic at a recent football game. As a brand ambassador, Mahomes has access to an impressive range of Hublot watches, with this limited-edition piece made from polished red ceramic standing out for its bold design and in-house Unico movement.
Meanwhile, football legend Tom Brady showcased his Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5990/1400G, featuring travel-time functionality amidst luxurious accents. With a white gold construction and a diamond-set bezel, this timepiece has become a symbol of opulence in the world of watch collecting, with a secondary market price hovering around $1.5 million.
Lastly, actor Lee Pace made quite an impression at the premiere of “The Running Man” in New York City, donning an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore chronograph. The model, designed by Emmanuel Gueit, is a robust and masculine reinterpretation of the classic luxury sports watch originally designed by Gérald Genta. Celebrated for its durability and style, the Offshore has remained a favorite among collectors and celebrities alike since its launch in 1993, marking its 30th anniversary this year.
