Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourbillon Review

The Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourbillon is a practical, everyday watch that contains a relatively affordable in-house tourbillon movement and is part of the long-standing and successful Ulysse Nardin Marine watch line. No one actually needs a tourbillon, but it feels good to wear one. Watch tourbillons are a category that needs no introduction to watch collectors, and even those who know the luxury watch market have heard that “tourbillon means money.” In 2019, tourbillons still mean “money,” but Swiss tourbillons no longer require that much money due to fierce competition.

Currently, TAG Heuer has the cheapest Swiss-made tourbillon watches, which are all equipped with the Heuer 02-T Tourbillon Automatic Chronograph movement. Ulysse Nardin’s entry-level tourbillon watches are slightly more expensive, but these products are completely different and suitable for different customers and wearing occasions. That being said, I can confidently place the Ulysse Nardin and TAG Heuer Tourbillons in the category of high-quality but affordable Swiss-made tourbillons.

A very fair question would be, “So what do you get if you pay more for a higher-end tourbillon?” Is there any reason to spend over $100,000 on a tourbillon when some can be had for much less? It really depends on what you’re looking for. You’ll generally get more exclusivity (fewer made, harder to make, etc.) and more hand finishing and craftsmanship from a more expensive tourbillon. This is actually a good opportunity to bring up one of the few qualms I have with the Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourbillon, which is that the piece of metal just below the tourbillon cage is not finished (at least not as aesthetically). Having that piece of metal underneath the tourbillon polished or hand-decorated is an example of what you can expect for more money. It looks like the Ulysse Nardin tourbillon cage itself does have some hand polishing, but in general, you should be able to find more finishes with a more expensive tourbillon. Compare it to something like Greubel Forsey, for example. buy good replica watches

Does a low-priced tourbillon mean performance sacrifice? Not really. In fact, I trust tourbillon movements from TAG Heuer and Ulysse Nardin more than most tourbillon movements, and in fact, some low-priced Swiss tourbillon movements are excellent. I am more or less certain that the Ulysse Nardin in-house UN-128 automatic tourbillon movement, which is inside the Marine Tourbillon watch, is chronometer-grade. The movement uses a reliable silicon balance wheel, runs at 4Hz, and has a power reserve of more than two days. At least the tourbillon in this movement does not require the user to sacrifice any function or performance in order to wear it. For this reason, and because I believe it is a relatively accurate movement, I think the Marine Tourbillon is suitable for daily wear.

The 43mm-wide Marine-style case is made of steel, a look that Ulysse Nardin has been perfecting over the years. This particular Marine Chronometer-style dial layout is based on a ship clock made by the brand long ago. Typical features of this type of dial are a power reserve indicator below 12 o’clock, and a small seconds display above 6 o’clock. Since the Marine Tourbillon has a flying (no top bridge) tourbillon window, it replaces the standard small seconds dial (and still counts seconds, since the tourbillon cage rotates once every 60 seconds). cheap watches for sale

The dial is finished in white Grand Feu enamel, which is a big part of this watch’s value proposition. Black Roman numerals are printed on the dial, paired with black hands. Ulysse Nardin did a very clever job of matching the hands’ color to the hour markers, making the dial look very masculine yet classic. A hint of red gives it a hint of sportiness, even though stylistically this is a more formal watch. The dial is clearly visible through the glare-free AR-coated flat sapphire crystal, but with a 43mm wide, 100m water-resistant steel case, this watch could double as a light sports watch with no problem. In a true sense, this watch is designed to be taken on adventures.

Thematically, the Marine Tourbillon has one foot in the world of haute horlogerie and the other in the world of modern sports watches. Some might call it a show-off casual watch, while others might call it a sporty status item. Ulysse Nardin has done a great job of making sure you know this watch has a tourbillon without taking away from the elegance that the Marine dial is known for. The core in-house automatic movement is reliable, and other models are also produced, and this watch also has a tourbillon.

For those who want to keep a low profile while still owning a status watch, the cheap Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourbillon watch is undoubtedly the right choice. I can’t say exactly who this user is, although I reach for this watch whenever I want a “conservative plus” look. The watch is available with three strap options, including the Marine Tourbillon ref. 1283-181-3/E0 with a rubber strap and titanium (not steel) buckle.

I prefer the bracelet – mainly because it is available. The three-link steel bracelet is simple in design and has quality construction. It blends perfectly with the shape of the case and is very comfortable to wear (although strap options would be nice, too).