This is the Ulysse Nardin San Marco 150th Anniversary reference 131-77-9. A timekeeper hailing from Le Locle, Ulysse Nardin founded his eponymous brand in 1846. Famed for its early marine chronometers in the 19th century used by shipping companies worldwide, Ulysse Nardin has been associated with nautical timekeeping since the brand’s early days.

Introduced in 1989, the original San Marco was released as a limited edition automata minute repeater - the first of its kind and in 1996, Ulysse Nardin released the aforementioned 131-77-9 - a 25-piece limited edition to mark its 150th anniversary. Housed in a yellow gold case and powered by the automatic Cal. 2892-A2, the anniversary edition features an enamelled centre depicting sailing ships as a tribute to its nautical roots. Adorned with the 150th Anniversary signature on the bezel and the limited edition number on the dial, the 150th Anniversary San Marco is a fine display of the brand’s artistry.

Since its introduction, the San Marco line has gone to become a canvas for the brand to showcase several watchmaking techniques such as hour strikers, minute repeaters and traditional enamel finishes. A work of art on the wrist, the 150th anniversary is proof of the brand’s diverse watchmaking ability and innovation that transcends beyond its flagship Freak collection.