Ulysse Nardin
Le Locle, Switzerland · Est. 1846
Founded by Ulysse Nardin
Founded in Le Locle in 1846, Ulysse Nardin was for much of its history the world's foremost maker of marine chronometers, awarded over 4,000 precision certificates. Under independent ownership from the 1980s before being acquired by Kering in 2014, the brand pioneered the use of silicon in mechanical movements and is known for its Freak avant-garde collection.
- Founded
- 1846
- Headquarters
- Le Locle, Switzerland
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Luxury
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Marine — The collection most directly connected to Ulysse Nardin's heritage as a maker of marine chronometers for the world's navies. The Marine line includes dress watches, divers, and complicated pieces that pay homage to the brand's nautical origins and precision timekeeping history. Modern Marine models feature in-house calibres and the brand's proprietary silicon escapement technology.
- Freak — An avant-garde collection that broke horological convention when launched in 2001 by removing the traditional dial, hands, and crown, and instead rotating the entire movement to indicate time. The Freak pioneered the use of silicon in mechanical movements and continues to serve as the brand's laboratory for innovation, with each new iteration showcasing new patents and materials.
- Diver — Ulysse Nardin's professional diving line, offering watches rated to 300 metres water resistance with bold, sculptural cases and automatic movements. The Diver collection combines the brand's marine heritage with contemporary sports watch design, and has been produced in collaboration with environmental partners to highlight ocean conservation.
Timeline
- 1846 — Ulysse Nardin founds his watchmaking company in Le Locle, Switzerland, at the age of 23.
- 1867 — The company receives its first series of precision certificates from the Neuchâtel Observatory for its marine chronometers.
- 1983 — Rolf W. Schnyder acquires the company and, working with watchmaker Ludwig Oechslin, begins its revival and transformation.
- 2001 — The Freak is launched at Basel World, pioneering the use of silicon in mechanical watch movements and rotating the movement itself as a time indicator.
- 2022 — Ulysse Nardin and Girard-Perregaux complete a management buyout from Kering, forming the independent Sowind Group.
- 2025 — Launches the Diver [AIR] at Watches & Wonders — the world's lightest mechanical dive watch at 52 grams. Collaborates with Urwerk on the UR-Freak, a 100-piece limited edition.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ulysse Nardin
- What is Ulysse Nardin famous for historically?
- Ulysse Nardin earned global fame for its exceptionally precise marine chronometers, which were supplied to over 50 navies and shipping fleets from the late 19th century until the 1950s. Between 1846 and 1975, the company received 4,324 precision certificates from the Neuchâtel Observatory — a record unmatched by any other watchmaker.
- Who owns Ulysse Nardin today?
- Ulysse Nardin is owned by the Sowind Group, an independent holding company formed through a management buyout from the French luxury group Kering in 2022. The Sowind Group also owns Girard-Perregaux, with both brands sharing leadership under CEO Patrick Pruniaux.
- What is the Freak collection?
- The Freak, introduced in 2001, is one of the most revolutionary watch designs of the 21st century. It has no crown, no dial, and no hands in the traditional sense. Instead, the entire movement rotates to indicate the time. It was also the first watch to use silicon components in its escapement, pioneering a material now used across the industry.