Mixed feelings for me.

I have been very excited to see the caliber 118 piece and here it is. I certainly had a different design in my mind.

The titanium/steel version, while unlimited and available, fails for me on aesthetics. What an opportunity to create a modern chronometer dial that was different than UN's previously used bold roman numerals, which I have never cared for. I hoped for regular numerals, like my ship's chronometer from 1937. The sub seconds dial design... wow, I just don't get it. I am not one to be disrespectful of a new release whether I like it or not, but with UN as a personal favorite brand, I envisioned something quite a bit more spectacular.

The gold model is exquisite with the enamel dial and much more appealing. I do agree with Nico on the date, and would prefer it without. The movement looks incredible, and that is a plus for both pieces.

Still, aside from the technical merits of the 118, I see nothing nearly as impactful as what the Caliber 160 piece represented when it launched. That one is now further cemented in UN lore for me, and I would absolutely choose it over this new model.

💰203 Marketplace Listings for Ulysse Nardin›

It is here! The new Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer! And it's beautiful!!

By: Marcus Hanke : March 7th, 2012-07:34

Just three pics, of the limited edition in gold, with a gorgeous baked enamel dial, and the unlimited version in titanium and steel, that features a modernized dial and hands layout. Both equipped with the new in-house cal. 118 movement with DiamonSil esc...

Aaah, finally!

By: amanico : March 7th, 2012-07:39

We were waiting for this one for a very long time, and here it is. The movement seems to be fantastic. Can you confirm that the Cal 160 is out, at the benefit of the Cal 118? The only problem I have is the presence of the Date... I would much have preferr...

Some impressions from distance ...

By: Marcus Hanke : March 7th, 2012-07:46

... as I have written elsewhere, I am sick at home, and it is possible that I won't make it to Basel. So I will not have the chance to handle the actual watch right now. Yes, the cal. 160 is out, and, well, the Anniversary is most likely to be the only wa...

That is what I read on the official UN forum...

By: amanico : March 7th, 2012-07:52

I agree with you on the size... 43 mm would have been better. As for the date, I guess this is something I can live with. Any idea on the retail of the titanium? Get better, my friend, and thanks for your efforts, despite you are sick. Best, Nicolas

45mm???

By: aaronm : March 7th, 2012-08:36

Are they going to sell it with a gymbal mount for deck-use as well? The new movement is good news, I was afraid it was going to be the "Chinese Democracy" of movements, and UN was going to keep holding awaiting it A

... with the Maxi Marine Chronometer, that was not available with Romans. The later, again larger Chronometer with Romans came but some years ago. However, I would not entirely dismiss the new Chronometer based on the first production variant only. We all...

I would never sell UN short.

By: MichaelC : March 7th, 2012-20:22

I suspect I will have a caliber 118 piece one day as new variations are released. I just expected more out of this release. I think back to how exciting the first shots you posted of the 160 were. Not just the movement, but the entire watch. Here I see th...

Oh wow! This is nice.

By: ArthurSG : March 7th, 2012-19:25

I especially like the rotor.

A few comments and pics.

By: foversta : March 14th, 2012-13:03

I really like this watch and I would like to sum up in a few words the pros and cons I felt: pros: - the size: yes, I found it perfect. A big size is coherent for a "Marine Chronometer" watch and moreover, the "lugs" are short and improve the comfort on t...

Agreed on the date, but I am not a date fan.

By: amanico : March 14th, 2012-14:19

I slightly disagree with you on the lugs, which is the major aesthetical con, for me... But to each his own, indeed. Best, Nicolas

I agree with your comments - all but one ...

By: Marcus Hanke : March 17th, 2012-12:21

I think this limited edition chronometer is absolutely gorgeous. The bilingual description of the power reserve is weird, indeed. Thankfully, the unlimited versions with the modern dial do not have this, but simply show a red zone for the low power reserv...

Thanks Marcus for your additional comments. [nt]

By: foversta : March 17th, 2012-15:55

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Gorgeous..

By: wristmachine : March 17th, 2012-20:21

Looks fantastic mate ! would agree that it would look better without the date.

Thank you for the photos and added remarks.

By: MichaelC : March 18th, 2012-11:48

I think you have a great analysis of the piece.

I think we should apologize to UN, dear FX ...

By: Marcus Hanke : March 29th, 2012-12:27

In your post above, you wrote: "cons: ... - power reserve indicator in both langages: come on guys, you are not serious! Write everything in french or in english but don't write it twice!" In my reply, I agreed: "The bilingual description of the power res...

And I missed that detail! Thanks for bringing us the light, Marcus. ;)

By: amanico : March 29th, 2012-13:36

But to be historically correctn the new Marine Chronometer, as the others, by the way, should be ... Dateless! Best, Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-03-29 13:37:29

Noted, thanks Marcus for the explanation! [nt]

By: foversta : March 29th, 2012-14:13

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Ulysse Nardin