Semper Fortis, Latin for “always strong,” is the motto of the US Navy. With its new Marine Torpilleur Military Semper Fortis, Ulysse Nardin celebrates its long-standing position as a supplier to the US Navy and uses the design of its legendary “Torpedo Boat Watches” as inspiration for a contemporary limited edition.
Limited to 173 pieces, the number of years Ulysse Nardin has been in operation, this new Marine Torpilleur is a 44mm wrist chronometer. The dial of this watch is very similar to the originals, and the hands are exactly the same, but the timepiece has been upgraded with modern-day technology, using Ulysse Nardin’s cutting-edge silicon technology to guarantee the precision for which its predecessor was renowned.
Cool touches include the red number “24” on the power reserve indicator, a reference to the warning system on the original US Navy marine chronometers, letting the sailors know that the timepiece needed to be wound. The sapphire-crystal exhibition back puts the automatic movement on full display, with “US Limited” and “Semper Fortis” laser engraved on the crystal.
Ulysse Nardin has a tradition of precision, having won a competition held by the Washington Naval Observatory in 1905. The prize? The right to supply marine chronometers to the US Navy.
Ulysse Nardin is so proud of its marine chronometer history that it has produced a book focusing on its US Navy affiliation, entitled Ulysse Nardin & the US Navy.
Technical Specifications
Movement
Automatic Caliber UN-118; COSC-certified; silicon technology; 60-hour power reserve
Case
44mm stainless steel, water resistant to 50 meters
Functions
Chronometer with power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, 24 in red; Small direct seconds at 6 o’clock; Forward and backward date corrector
Strap
Blue sailcloth strap with four oversized white stitches
