In an era when marine chronometers were considered essential instruments for maritime navigation, Ulysse Nardin made his name as a maker of precision chronometers for sailors. From his modest beginnings in 1846 amid the rolling hills of Le Locle, the watchmaker strove to develop pocket chronometers whose legendary precision quickly spread around the world. Upon his death in 1876, his son, Paul-David Nardin, carried on this tradition by producing deck chronometers for navy corps in more than 50 countries. The Nardin signature became a reference in wristwatches for military and civilian use. This expertise was rewarded in the early 20th century with seven first prizes for chronometric precision in a competition organised by the United States Naval Observatory in Washington. When celebrating its 150th anniversary in 1996, the Manufacture chose to revive its prestigious maritime heritage by creating the Marine Chronometer 1846. From an aesthetic standpoint, the watch follows the traditional codes of the pocket chronometers that forged Ulysse Nardin's reputation. The classic round case is surmounted by a slender fluted bezel and features a white Grand Feu enamel dial punctuated by Roman numerals on a railway-track minutes ring. A small seconds subdial appears at 6 o'clock and the power reserve is displayed at 12 o'clock. Movement-wise, the first Marine Chronometer 1846 was not equipped with an in-house movement, as are more recent models, but instead with an ETA calibre. The collection quickly broadened its horizons, adopting sportier touches and welcoming various complications such as the tourbillon and the annual calendar. Several lines have thus been created within the collection: Chronograph, Chronometer, Grand Deck, Lady Chronometer, Regatta, Tourbillon and Torpilleur. This latter line was extended in 2021 with a tourbillon, a moon phase and an annual calendar chronograph.

• Collection created in 1996 for the 150th anniversary of the Manufacture