18ct yellow gold Ulysee Nardin, diamond set bracelet watch with lapis lazuli dial. Made 1970's

The company was founded in 1846 by the 23-year-old Ulysse Nardin in Le Cloche, Switzerland.

Ulysse Nardin trained as a watchmaker and in particular in specialist in complications. At a young age the young Ulysse quickly spotted the rising demand for pocket and marine chronometers that could measure time with absolute precision. His reputation was unsurpassed and he has written some of the finest chapters in the history of Haute Horlogerie. 

Hence the company became known in the nautical world for manufacturing highly accurate marine chronometers and complicated timepieces used by over fifty of the world's navies from the end of the 19th century till 1950. According to the last official report of the Neuchâtel Observatory in Switzerland, Ulysse Nardin had won numerous awards and honours for its marine chronometers from 1846 to 1975, including 4324 certificates, 2411 special prizes and 18 gold medals at international exhibitions.

The brand also became famous for producing bespoke jewellery timepieces for many of their famous clientele.