There are plenty of events and specially themed objects dedicated to Christopher Columbus’ journey to the Americas in 1492. More than half a millennium later, Ulysse Nardin wanted to pay tribute to his amazing journey, by launching the exquisite Classico Limited Edition Santa Maria, named after Columbus’ merchant boat, one of the most important vessels in human history.
The production of this fine, stylish watch is limited to only 30 units, each of them carefully plated with 18-carat rose and white gold. The case of the watch measures 40 millimeters in diameter and bears an AR-coated sapphire crystal. Ulysse Nardin’s team of artists has taken care of every detail of the watch, painting the timepiece in lively colors and matching the exact specifications provided by the designer.
Every watch has taken a staggering 50 hours of painstaking work to be crafted, requiring 26 baking processes to complete each handmade cloisonné dial. A self-winding UN caliber 815 movement is hidden deep within the gadget, COSC Chronometer certified and boasting with a 42-hour power reserve.
The dial brings forward a superb backdrop of deep blue which pleasantly highlights a depiction of the fabled ship. The blue of the sea perfectly assorts with the greenish tones used for the area below the ship and with the deep grain of the vessel itself. A Bracelet Alligator strap is the final finish of this exquisite timepiece.
[Ulysse Nardin]
