ULYSSE NARDIN. A VERY FINE AND RARE 18K GOLD MINUTE REPEATING WRISTWATCH WITH THREE AUTOMATON SCENE AND CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL DIAL

Founded in 1846 in Le Locle, Switzerland, Ulysse Nardin was historically renowned for its production of precision timepieces, notably marine chronometers and astronomical watches. In 1983, the company was acquired by businessman Rolf Schnyder who, in conjunction with watchmaker Professor Ludwig Oechslin, relaunched the brand. In 2014, Ulysse Nardin was acquired by the Kering Group.

Ulysse Nardin was one of the earliest manufactures to show interest in the renaissance of the minute repeater. To add to the complexity of the minute repeating function, the manufacture included automaton figures called 'Jaquemarts' on the dial and remains to date the only manufacture in the world to use 'Jaquemarts" on the dial of its minute repeaters.

Based on this principle, Ulysse Nardin pushes the boundaries of its creativity by incorporating animal 'Jacquemarts' into a vividly coloured jungle landscape which is depicted on two superposed cloisonné enamel dials. The two-tier enamel cloisonné dials confer on the watch its three dimensional appearance of the jungle fauna and flora. Activation of the minute repeater lever causes the jungle to come alive. The tiger's paw and the toucan move forward while a small fish jumps off the rocks into the water. The intricate cloisonné work is of extraordinary beauty and quality. The present watch will captivate connoisseurs with its high level of complications as well as the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail required for the creation of the dial.