Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver

Undoubtedly, the Maxi Marine is as iconic a model for Ulysse Nardin as the Navitimer is for Breitling and the Speedmaster for Omega. Its history begins back in the 19th century, at a time when sailors used sextants to find their ships' positions and chart their routes – even then, Ulysse Nardin chose the right strategy (as the future would prove) to specialize in creating marine chronometers for this market niche. Although the company was founded and is based in Neuchâtel – a region with no connection to the seas whatsoever – Ulysse Nardin managed to foresee the opportunity for its marine series of watches to achieve true success. Starting from the second half of the 19th century, marine chronometers were subjected to rigorous tests at the Neuchâtel and Geneva observatories and, as you can probably guess, Ulysse Nardin's chronometers passed these tests with unwavering success. Thanks to this, they were quickly recognized as the best marine timepieces available on the market. The Maxi Marine Diver is the modern version of the incredible marine chronometers that were made for decades, and is undoubtedly a watch that continues the tradition and impeccably upholds its glorious heritage. The model is available in the following dial colors: White, black, rhodium, and burgundy. It is also possible to order the rather extravagant for this brand bright colors such as yellow, racing red, and orange. Now let's turn our attention to the watch: The silver-white dial of the watch is one of the most beautiful and balanced combinations of all the options offered by the manufacturer because of the clean colors and the use of two primary colors – white and steel. The double anti-reflective coating is so effective that at certain angles, it creates the impression that you can touch the dial and hands with nothing to stop you. The guilloché achieved by the manufacturer, in the form of a golf ball surface, is something that could undoubtedly cause concern, but in person, all doubts are dispelled by the effect with which the density and texture of the dial contribute to the overall aura of this watch. The other thing that is difficult to see from photos is the satin-matte finish of the dial. At some angles, it creates the impression that the dial has its own radiance, which scatters sunrays all around. The luminescence is very bright – thanks to its relatively large markers, the dial and hands remain legible even in the darkest conditions. During the day, the anti-reflective coating makes the dial very clear, and the date magnifier makes this indication recognizable with a quick glance. Ulysse Nardin makes no compromises with the case back of this model – as with most of the brand's models, here too are listed the 18 gold medals the company has won over the years. The engraving is of very high quality, and the polished steel completes the overall look of this part of the watch. On the side opposite the crown, Ulysse Nardin has engraved the watch's number in a very beautiful cursive script. The more recognizable look of a Ulysse Nardin is almost always associated with a rubber strap with its 'tiles', but this one is offered in the much more masculine (and practical due to the fact that it eliminates the need to search for new straps after they wear out) execution, namely with a bracelet – besides being the more expensive option, it is also much more balanced and more presentable. The bracelet is solid, three-row with the brand's logo engraved on both sides of the watch, and the clasp is massive, with release buttons on both its sides. This is one of the few watches that can very successfully play the role of both an elegant watch and a sports one. One thing is certain – this jewel on your wrist will not go unnoticed, but not with the obtrusiveness that a Super Avenger, for example, carries, but rather with an effortless respect that few timepieces possess.