The purpose of a regatta chronograph is not only to track racing time but, above all, to count down the critical minutes before the racers cross the starting line. The “Fleet Race”, which takes place on a course marked by buoys, begins with a five, seven or ten-minute countdown at the end of which the yachts begin sailing the course. During this decisive interval of time, the competitors strategically array themselves on the startling line – based on winds and, most importantly, keeping clear of other competitors – in order to cross the line as close as possible to the starting signal.The new Ulysse Nardin Regatta chronograph delivers groundbreaking functionality and intuitive tracking of these crucial minutes.
The Ulysse Nardin Regatta timepiece demonstrates its stylistic power to better reveal the complexity of the in-house crafted drive it contains. 650 components shape the originality and special attributes of this regatta chronograph, engineered with an ingenious two-way count-up/count-down system. Innovative in more ways than one, the regatta feature, located at the center of the dial, displays the countdown with an arrow pointing at the yellow minute scale from 0 to 10. Easily readable, this hand can be set with a pusher located at the 10 o’clock position and moves in a counter-clockwise direction when when the count-down starts. At the same time, the two-way seconds hand of the chronograph ticks away the seconds – in a counter-clockwise direction – until the countdown comes to an end. When the countdown reaches zero signaling the start of the race, the seconds hand instantly starts moving in the clockwise direction and begins timing the race, measured by an hours and minutes subdial at the 6 o’clock position.
The result of many months of development – based on the renowned manufacture chronograph caliber UN-153 – the new caliber UN-155 features performance, ease of use and perfectly designed display brightness. The ample 3-day power reserve, the two-way seconds hand that can be stopped to adjust the hour and the bi-directional date change compliment its remarkable practicality.
With its distinctive appearance, the Regatta timepiece recalls the nautical roots of the company. Its heavy 44 mm diameter steel case, water-resistant to 100 meters, is completed by a fluted bezel with rubber inserts, a screw-down crown and two molded rubber pushers. Its faceted lugs perfectly integrate the rubber strap featuring titanium inserts and folding buckle.
Turning to the dial, two variations are offered: the first features an ocean blue with bursts of signature Artemis Racing yellow and the second vivid sea foam. Both have a yellow countdown register punctuated by a sweep hand, Arabic numerals, indexes, appliqué Roman numerals glided over central luminescent hands, a yellow-tipped seconds hand and 12-hour and 60-minute subdial with the date displayed in a round aperture at the 6 o’clock position.
The steel case of the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar is much like another variants with a large 43mm diameter and a fluted bezel. The crown has a rubber covering, which is a nuisance to replace should it wear down over time, however, does improve the ergonomics. Having a 100m water resistance rating, it is definitely swim-friendly for if you would like to leap off your yacht.The dial of the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar Monaco is understandably a busy one, but also for the primary purpose of telling exactly what hour and moment it’s, it does a fantastic job due to some white lacquered dial along with large Roman mark painted a deep, rich blue. Each of the hands except the month indicator are blued and there’s even some Super-LumiNova on the hour and minute hands to enhance legibility in non invasive. On peak of the dial is the power reserve indicator and while it’s well executed, I think that it could’ve been left out given how complex this dial was not able to get. A power reserve indicator on an automatic watch isn’t as functional as on a hand-wound one.At 6:00 is the date, month, and running moments indicator. The date is displayed with the support of a date window and a wheel underneath. The circular window fits in much better than a traditional rectangular one. In a few of these close-up pictures, you’ll observe that the date and the month of September are in blue while the rest weeks are in black to signify the dates of this 2017 Monaco Yacht Show, that can be September 27–30. So those four dates will also be gloomy, while all of the rest are in black.
As a tribute to its partnership with Artemis Racing for the 35th America’s Cup, Ulysse Nardin has also created a limited edition of 35 watches. Featuring a black enamel Champlevé dial, this model’s countdown feature appears on the bezel in yellow and anthracite gray, the colors of the Swedish team.
