Ulysse Nardin, Watch Manufacturers, Watch Reviews

Ulysse Nardin Classico Paul David Nardin

Ulysse Nardin Classico Paul David Nardin

Angus Davies gets hands-on with the Ulysse Nardin Classico Paul David Nardin, an elegant watch inspired by a 1945 timepiece.

This detailed review of the Ulysse Nardin Classico Paul David Nardin includes live pictures, specification and pricing.

Ulysse Nardin Classico Paul David Nardin timepiece with small seconds and automatic movement

Paul David Nardin was the son of the eponymously named Ulysse Nardin. When Ulysse Nardin passed away in 1876, Paul David assumed control of the family company. Recently, Ulysse Nardin, the company, unveiled a new timepiece paying tribute to Paul David Nardin, taking inspiration from a 1945 timepiece in the company’s back catalogue.

On seeing the Ulysse Nardin Classico Paul David Nardin, I was besotted with its vintage appearance and its exquisite period styling. A few emails later and a press loan appeared on my desk and several days of hands-on evaluation resulted.

The dial

The dial of the Ulysse Nardin Classico Paul David Nardin has a wonderfully aged appearance with its vintage-look silverized dial and elegant Arabic hour markers. The index-style hour and minute hands are supremely slender yet simple to read. Furthermore, their elongated, svelte forms evince a graceful air.

Ulysse Nardin Classico Paul David Nardin timepiece with small seconds and automatic movement

Above 6 o’clock, a small seconds display sits below the main plane of the dial, charmingly exploiting depths to eye-catching effect. While the hour and minute hands are silver toned, a blued small seconds hand adds a touch of vibrancy to the dial.

A circular date aperture sits within the small seconds display. The small scale of the seconds display did not prove to be a problem for my myopically challenged eyes thanks to the crisp black text presented on the white date disc.

Below noon, the Ulysse Nardin moniker and logo are tastefully proclaimed, indicating the maker of the watch but without overwhelming the dial surface. Encircling the main dial area is a chapter ring making the read-off of minutes very user-friendly.

The box glass sapphire crystal allows light to flood onto the dial surface without producing any annoying glare. Moreover, the curved edge of the sapphire crystal does not unduly distort the hands and the strokes on the chapter ring. Indeed, everything is clear and simple to interpret.

The dial of the Ulysse Nardin Classico Paul David Nardin pairs handsome period styling with simple to read-off detail.

The case

Measuring 39mm in diameter, the ubiquitously polished stainless steel case gleams in the merest hint of ambient light, astutely enlivening the dial without overwhelming its subtle character. The horns are beautifully stepped, incorporating a series of angles which curve and encapsulate the wrist.

Ulysse Nardin Classico Paul David Nardin timepiece with small seconds and automatic movement

Gracing the rear of the watch is an engraved case-back featuring a period Le Locle manufacture logo. Sadly, I lament the absence of a sapphire case back. It would have been a desirable feature, revealing some delightful finishing I am sure exists within the case.

Ulysse Nardin Classico Paul David Nardin timepiece with small seconds and automatic movement

The mid-brown calf leather strap has a matt surface and coalesces with the case beautifully. Indeed, I cannot think of another style of strap which would harmoniously fuse with the dial and case quite so successfully.

The movement

Despite the vintage appearance of the Ulysse Nardin Classico Paul David Nardin, the caliber UN-320 is an exemplar of modernity. The manufacture movement features a silicium escapement and hairspring.

Convenience is assured, courtesy of the self-winding movement.

Closing remarks

With the Classico Paul David Nardin, Ulysse Nardin has crafted an incredibly beautiful watch. Each vintage-inspired detail has been judiciously added, resulting in a timepiece which appears both attractive and cohesive.

The dial is incredibly pretty with its period details, silverized dial, elongated hour and minute hands and sunken small seconds display, all conspiring to seduce with their profound beauty.

Personally, I found the case a tad too small for my wrists. However, I suspect many potential purchasers will approve of the modest sizing of the watch.

Ultimately, this is a fabulous timepiece I thoroughly enjoyed wearing. It represents a fitting tribute for Paul David Nardin, the son of an entrepreneur whose name survives some 140 years since his passing.

Further information

https://www.ulysse-nardin.com/

Technical specification

  • Model: Ulysse Nardin Classico Paul David Nardin
  • Case: Stainless steel; diameter 39 mm; sapphire crystal to front and solid case-back; water resistance 3 ATM (30 metres)
  • Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; date
  • Movement: caliber UN-320; Self-winding movement; power reserve 48 hours
  • Strap: Brown leather strap with a steel pin buckle
  • Price: €9,500 (RRP as at 10.9.2017)

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