Ulysse Nardin has been making watches specially suited for world travelers since at least 1994, when it introduced its patented, user-friendly second-time-zone function in the original Dual Time models. The watches have undergone some evolution since then, the most recent and most striking of them coming just this year, with three new editions incorporating the case design and “X”-shaped dial elements of 2019’s Skeleton X model.
The new Ulysse Nardin Dual Time models are distinguished by the triple-lug case design pioneered by the aforementioned Magma model (and used in modified form on the recently introduced Blast collection) and by its prominent Roman numeral hour markers at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. As on previous models, the dial features a large date in a double window at 2 o’clock, a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, and an indicator for the home time (in 24-hour format) in a round window at 9 o’clock. Like the Blast, the dial of the newest generation Dual Time uses a “shape-within-shape-within-shape” architecture: a large “X,” formed by the hour indices, framing a rectangle, all framed inside the circle of the bezel.
The 42-mm case of the new Dual Time is in either stainless steel or rose gold; the dials and their matching bezels are in either black (in the steel case) or blue (in both steel and gold). On the side of the case are the “+” and “-” pushers that adjust the hour hand forward or backward to quickly change the local time when the wearer is traveling. The cases are water-resistant to 50 meters and integrated seamlessly via the triple lugs into a strap of either a rubber (on the rose-gold model) or alligator leather (on the black steel and blue steel models).
Ticking inside the new Dual Time editions, behind a sapphire caseback, is the automatic Caliber UN-24, updated with a new gold rotor with an encircled Ulysse Nardin logo, running in 34 jewels and storing a power reserve of 42 hours. Prices are $8,300 for the steel editions and $22,800 for the rose-gold.
| Manufacturer: | Ulysse Nardin, Le Locle, Switzerland |
| Reference number: | 242-20/43, 243-20-3/42, 243-20-3/43 |
| Functions: | Hours, minutes, small seconds, large date, GMT |
| Movement: | Ulysse Nardin Caliber 24, automatic, 34 jewels, 42-hour power reserve, equipped with patented quick-set time display |
| Case: | Stainless-steel or rose-gold with sapphire caseback, triple-lug design, water resistant to 50 meters |
| Bracelet and clasp: | Alligator leather or rubber strap with pin buckle |
| Dimensions: | Diameter = 42 mm |
| Price: | $8,300 (steel), $22,800 (rose gold) |
