A marine chronometer is a device used to tell time and through something called “celestial navigation,” determines latitude and longitude. These devices were used in navigation on large vessels during some of the greatest exploratory periods in human history. These days a chronometer generally refers to a watch that is tested and certified to meet very specific and highly specialized precision standards.
Ulysse Nardin is a company that started out making those old navigation devices and then moved into the watch and timepiece business. By most accounts, the company was the preeminent chronometer maker in Switzerland in the 1800′s and as is the standard with these sorts of high end watch companies, they continue to thrive on their incredible reputation of high quality work on complex watches.
Anyone who is a fan of watches on grounds deeper than basic style should really take notice of the work of Ulysse Nardin. These pieces are amazing works and are universally regarded as among the best crafted watches in the industry. Prior to this blog I didn’t even know what a chronograph was but the reputation that has come through in my research has really knocked my socks off. This might be my new watch brand of choice.
