After some deliberation in deciding between acquiring a diver from either the Omega SM family (300 or Planet Ocean ) or Breitling Super Ocean ; with a budget of around $3k- a third watch crept into focus. The Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine. Having provided (for well over 130 years) - naval deck chronometers to over 50 countries, UN certainly has the horological chops with arguably any WM... yes, even this 42.7mm ( a very compact 46 L2L and 13.9mm thick) with its UN modified ETA 2892 chronometer grade movement demonstrates UNs unique “DNA” in this diver interpretation.. I think that’s what drew me in. No offense- but it’s not a RoSub homage nor an Omega Seamaster. As timeless and stunning both are; after perusing both my current collection-and the various diver choices ( strictly desk) I wanted something different on my wrist. This ref. 263-33 UN MM delivers that in spades. IMO, an impressive case profile. Lugs to case are a thing to behold. Beautifully sculpted case. UNs solid bezel may not be to everyone’s taste- with the proliferation of ceramics, alums, and even UN offers imbedded rubber bezels on more current models; but I like the simple durable look of the solid SS with numbers in relief ...Even the bolted on case number doesn’t distract from the look. Ulysse Nardin basically created this line in I believe 1996 to mimic the look of the aforementioned shipboard clock chronometers that they became famous for. The up (power reserve) and down ( seconds) registers are pretty faithful to those vintage timekeepers .The lacquered black dimpled dial has a wet look - that’s takes on a burgundy sheen at different angles. Large luminous hour indicators coupled with half skeleton hands make this easy to read. Ditto for the interior cyclops on the 6 o clock date ... no marring of the dial ... Love the hands. Extremely well executed. And the most generous swaths of lume. This baby lights up with just cupping the dial even during the day. This Maxi Marines strap is another reason this watch is very different. It’s both light and very comfy with its titanium bits on both the rubber strap and deployment buckle . All in all, for me at least - this rugged UN diver offers a distinctive take on the genre. It’s obviously been out for awhile - but the styling still holds up well. I think it should be a consideration for any watch enthusiast looking for something different in the wild.
Thanks. She is really clean. The 2006 Maxi “retailed” for about $8k back then ( but I’m sure it was sold new for 15-30% less ) - I got it for $3,000 ( box, COSC cert, tag, manuals - and the seller had a complete service for $550 ( including gaskets) from Raymond Lee Jewelers (in Boca Raton) back in August.