Ulysse Nardin North Sea Minute Repeater a Noble Tribute to Industry

By Paul Joseph

There’s no escaping the importance of oil as a natural resource and given its finite supply, it is perhaps fitting that its importance is recognised in the same way as rare emeralds, rubies and other jewels of the soil.

Step forward Ulysse Nardin, the distinguished Swiss watchmakers, who have created a stunning new timepiece that melds centuries-old artisanship with cutting-edge technology to create this noble tribute to industry.

The latest addition to the brand’s Classic Collection. the North Sea Minute Repeater is finely crafted in gold and champlevé enamel, and boasts on its dial an incredibly realistic depiction of the mighty offshore drilling rigs that dig deep for the world's precious "black gold".

The glimmering champlevé rig, seen from a low angle, rises majestically from the black sea, with its delicately wrought waves in the foreground.

First introduced in the 12th century, the champlevé enamel technique used to create the watch has been mastered by only a handful of craftspeople world-wide.

Other notable features include three 18-karat gold cranes - the Jaquemarts – which move and sound when the minute repeater is activated indicating the hours, quarter hours and minutes.

Founded in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1846, Ulysse Nardin is one of the world’s most famous luxury watch brands.

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By Paul Joseph