Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver "Orange" Luxury Watch Review

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Behold the ultimate accessory for Dutch watch connoisseurs with national football loyalties to uphold. But even if you don’t cheer for the Orange Army, the 43mm stainless steel Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver special edition still represents a rare opportunity to own a pristine example of a modern UN counter-culture classic.

Despite its contemporary 43mm case size, the Maxi Marine Diver Orange is supple and comfortable on the wrist.

Ulysse Nardin employs a sophisticated vulcanized rubber wrapping technique to envelope the stainless steel case in form-fitting natural rubber. The silken feel of the material is a pure pleasure to experience against the skin, and the flawless fit (no gaps can be found even with loupe assistance) will gratify the eyes of the proud owner.

The Maxi Marine Diver Orange features a unique combination of bezel and dial. The former is defined by polished metal numerals in indices in relief from the bezel base. At the bottom of the relieve portion of the bezel, an orange rubber base material has been impressed with a nautical “wave” motif. Ulysse Nardin adds additional character with a dimpled dial treatment that contributes character and definition to the sprawling orange watch face.

A power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock is true to history, and it adds a useful complication to the package.

At six o'clock a traditional small seconds subdial recalls the old 50-60mm Ulysse Nardin deck chronometers, but an integrated date window offers a modern convenience unknown to old-time mariners. Below the dial beats a UN-26 automatic caliber derived from the thin and fine ETA 2892-A2 in top-of-the-line “Chronometer” specification.

More than an homage, the Maxi Marine Diver Orange is a true COSC Swiss Chronometer that meets and exceeds the accuracy of historic timepieces. Each Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver is certified as such by Timelab, official agent of the COSC evaluation. The 15-day trial tests the watch for accuracy and isochronism in five positions and at three temperatures. A maximum 24-hour deviation of -4/+6 seconds is permitted for certified timepieces.

Exterior features of the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver Orange include an individual numbering plate at 9 o'clock (again, true to history). The Diver Orange’s natural vulcanized rubber strap matches the color of the case cladding and echoes the imprinted wave motif of the dial.

The orange rubber strap is double-hinged for outstanding wrist fit. The strap's brushed titanium double-joint allows Ulysse Nardin to use a flush-fitting strap junction at the lugs without the stiffness that often results from these aesthetically pleasing arrangements. It's the best of both worlds: a strap that leaves no gap at the case and fits comfortably on the forearm.

See this Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver Orange special edition in high-resolution images at: https://www.the1916company.com/watche...

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Video and content by Tim Mosso.