Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Ulysse Nardin : Classico Limited Edition Santa Maria - sailing through history.


The Santa Maria, Christopher Columbus’ boldest sail merchant ship, was often endearingly called the Gallant Maria by her crew. The flagship vessel, used for the explorer’s first expedition in 1492, was regal and daring. Larger than her two sisters, La Niña and La Pinta, the Santa Maria is one of the most important ships in history for what she represented – fearlessness.

With true artistry and unparalleled precision, the Classico Limited Edition Santa Maria from Ulysse Nardin recounts this noble vessel and its story of adventure. Using the ancient and precious cloisonné technique, paired with the fine art of enameling, the stately Santa Maria is paid valiant tribute to in this masterful timepiece. Every detail has been carefully crafted by Ulysse Nardin artisans in vivid color and to exacting specifications. A backdrop of deep blue frames this glorious depiction of the ship with its proud masts and sail, a flag at its top waving freely in the wind, a splash of water coming up from the greenish blue sea to meet the deep grain of the wooden "nao", or cargo ship.

Fearless like its namesake, the Classico Limited Edition Santa Maria is painstakingly created, requiring more than 50 working hours and 26 baking processes to complete each handmade cloisonné dial. Each dial is individually crafted by skilled enameller specialists using the refined decorative technique of cloisonné that produces an unmistakable and undeniably unique work of art. The process is a complicated mix of skill and steady hand, and is one of the most intricate artistic disciplines. Ulysse Nardin revived this lost decorative technique, which counts less than a handful of artists that are masters of the intricate skill.

The astounding aesthetic of the Classico Limited Edition Santa Maria is matched by the timepiece’s technical precision. The self-winding watch is powered by the UN caliber 815 movement that has been COSC Chronometer certified and has a power reserve of 42 hours.

The Classico Limited Edition Santa Maria joins other original and exquisite timepieces in Ulysse Nardin’s Cloisonné collection, and is available in a limited edition of 30 pieces, each in 18-karat rose gold and white gold.

The Santa Maria stood proud as a true testament to discovery and adventure, crossing the Atlantic Ocean in a voyage that remains etched in world history. The Classico Limited Edition Santa Maria timepiece by Ulysse Nardin shares the same dedication to mastery.

Classico Santa Maria required more than 50 working hours and
26 baking processes to complete each handmade cloisonné dial.


Limited Edition to 30 pieces, in 18ct white gold or 18ct rose gold.
Its self-winding movement is COSC Chronometer certified and
has a power reserve of 42 hours. 

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