Description:
Following the challenges posed by the quartz crisis, Ulysse Nardin underwent a revitalization in 1983 under the guidance of Rolf Schnyder, a former executive from Jaeger-LeCoultre. Collaborating with watchmaker Ludwig Oechslin, the brand shifted its focus towards complication and mechanical innovation while also upholding traditional enameling methods such as cloisonné, champlevé, and grand feu. The San Marco collection served as a platform for showcasing these techniques, featuring elaborate portrayals of maritime his-tory, ships, clippers, and architectural landmarks. These intricately crafted pieces, produced in limited quantities due to the meticulous nature of cloisonné craftsmanship, epitomize Ulysse Nardin’s dedication to both artistry and technological advancement.
This Ulysse Nardin wristwatch is part of the prestigious “San Marco” collection, which was considered the pinnacle of Ulysse Nardin’s craftsmanship. The collection aimed to showcase the brand’s expertise in creating highly intricate timepieces, both mechanically and aesthetically, exemplified by the exquisite enamel dial of this particular watch. Limited to just 35 pieces, this watch is exceptionally rare, seldom appearing on the market and it features a finely executed cloisonné enamel dial depicting the Torre di Pisa within the Piazza dei Miracoli, one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks. The watch is housed in a 37 mm yellow gold case, classically proportioned and elegantly styled, with polished surfaces, a stepped lug design, and a rounded bezel.
In addition to its rarity and beauty, this watch is exceptionally well-preserved, with minimal signs of wear on the case and a flawless enamel dial free from cracks or damage. A true work of art, it deserves a place in any esteemed watch collection.