Tropical 1950s Ulysse Nardin Calatrava (Ref. 6074)

Ulysse Nardin is perhaps best known for their more avant-garde timepieces of recent years, but the brand has a pedigree of of excellent timepieces from the 20th century and before that still captivate enthusiasts today.

Ulysse Nardin founded the self-named brand in 1846 LeLocle, Switzerland, concentrating his early work towards manufacturing marine chronometers before moving to wristwatches, due in part to his love for the open water. Ulysse Nardin’s work became recognized worldwide for his nautical timekeeping instruments supplying numerous navies around the globe including the United States'. Though Ulysse Nardin continued to produce marine chronometers, the nautical instrument became more of a specialty for the brand as demand for wristwatches grew in the 20th century. Ulysse Nardin began producing wristwatches with a focus on in-house movements with high-design in mind. From their most extravagant models to their more subtle designs, all Ulysse Nardin timepieces are manufactured with a reliable sense of care and an eye for design, making for some very unique pieces that can be appreciated at almost any price point.

This particular piece started life out as a military-inspired watch with a seconds subdial at 6 o'clock and arabic numerals at the even hour markers. The dial has since aged to such a tropical finish that it's almost more art than tool at this point, but it's still a fantastic and incredibly unique watch that would be an excellent topic of conversation.