The prestige, elegance and beauty of artistic paintings and the masterful craftsmanship of some of the more revered watches in the watchmaking world. As a pioneering Swiss manufacturer, Ulysse Nardin has been surprising and delighting for centuries with its unprecedented masterpieces based on traditional craftsmanship, out-of-the-box innovation and the nautical nature of explorers. These exclusive models are coveted by many private collectors, art lovers and those who appreciate the finest premium quality. Sometimes, however, thoughts of these watches remain in the realm of dreams due to the high price. What solution remains? Discover our affordable alternatives to Ulysse Nardin watches!

Ulysse Nardin - Swiss watchmaking masterpieces

The year 1846 is a time when international trade by sea is flourishing and thriving and people desire to explore the oceans and discover new lands and countries. It is also the year in which, in the small Swiss town of Le Locle, Ulysse Nardin founded his own watch manufactory that from the beginning specialised in the production of high-quality and ultra-precise navigational instruments - marine chronometers and complex pocket watches. There intricate and handcrafted specialised movements were created.

Ulysse Nardin is a respected manufacturer that has remained a leading manufacturer of chronometers for navigation for many decades. Determination and boldness in design translates into an expert approach to the creation of distinguished watch masterpieces. As a family-owned company with traditions, Ulysse Nardin boasts modern products that reflect artisanal vision, perfection and excellent craftsmanship at the highest international level - as evidenced by the many prestigious awards won at global competitions and exhibitions. Among the most famous Ulysse Nardin collections is the "Trilogy of Time", dedicated to Galileo Galilei, Nicolaus Copernicus and Johannes Kepler.

Alternatives to Ulysse Nardin watches - the best models

Ulysse Nardin, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Blancpain, IWC, Longines, Breitling, Maurice Lacroix are just a few of the wide range of prestigious Swiss manufacturers that inspire admiration and respect with their luxury goods, available only to a very narrow circle of customers and connoisseurs of the traditional art of watchmaking. These holy grails often cost an arm and a leg. For example, the most expensive Ulysse Nardin Hannibal Minute Repeater Tourbillon watch costs more than €630,000!

Are you passionate about exclusive brands? Do you dream at night of the nautical motifs of the beautiful and intricately enamel dials of Ulysse Nardin watches? Can't get over the masterfully designed in-house tourbillon movements or functions worthy of distinguished marine chronometers? Unfortunately the financial constraints of your budget mean you can only dream about them? Opt for the equivalents of Ulysse Nardin watches! Their main advantage? A much lower cost! Remember that low prices aren't a sign of low-quality products! Check out top alternatives to respected watchmaking brand right now!

Ulysse Nardin Diver 42mm vs Venezianico Nereide 42

Since the brand takes its inspiration from the sea, in addition to navigation instruments, professional diving equipment is also a must. This time let's have a look at another pair of watches - high-quality dive watches. The appearance is very similar, but the price plays a major role. We are talking about two watches - the Swiss Ulysse Nardin Diver 42 8163-175-7M/92 model that costs around €7,000 and the Italian Venezianico Nereide 42 3321504C, whose retail price is much lower! The former impresses with a vintage style highlighted by beige accents. The elegant and sporty design is thanks to the combination of a silver stainless steel case and a semi-satinised bracelet of the same material with a transparent black dial that features the geographical coordinates of the headquarters of the Swiss manufacturer. This is complemented by massive bright hands and indices filled with highly luminescent material, an in-house UN-816 automatic movement which uses anti-magnetic silicon in its construction and a high a water resistance rating of 30 bar.

Is the Venezianico Nereide 42 3321504C men's watch less appropriate for diving because of its lower price? Of course not! This proposal from the Italian manufacturer is a professional dive watch that has been created to withstand heavy loads and high water pressure when diving. It works on the basis of the proven and precise Seiko NH35A automatic movement and its water resistance is 200 metres. The name of the Nereide collection, which refers to a high-performance submarine belonging to the Venetian navy, is also relevant here. The dive watch is made entirely of silver stainless steel. Wearing comfort and guaranteed stability is ensured by the Canova bracelet with a registered design consisting of 16 different forms and an integrated butterfly clasp. The satin and polished finish of the individual links adds a touch of class. Also noteworthy is the black sun-brushed dial with legible hands and indices coated with Super-LumiNova, the practical date display and the rotating bezel with BK7 crystal insert. The slim design of the Venezianico watch means that it will look extremely elegant and sophisticated on the owner's wrist, whether paired with a wetsuit or a business suit. Important! It will certainly be a more affordable option than the Ulysse Nardin watch!

Ulysse Nardin Lady Diver versus Michel Herbelin Newport Automatic

Sophisticated diamond embellishment, proven diver quality and extraordinary Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship is represented by one of the more unusual Ulysse Nardin women's watches - the silver and white Lady Diver UN 3203-190-3/10, priced at almost €9,000. The brilliance and beauty of the bright mother-of-pearl dial is brought out by the evenly spaced 8 diamonds. The ninth diamond is placed on the bezel. This exclusive character is broken up by the sporty elements and the standard diver's practical features. The model offers, among other things, a water resistance rating of 30 bar, a screw-down crown, indices and hands coated with luminescent material and a rotating graduated bezel. The precision of the indications is due to the COSC-certified UN-320 in-house and anti-magnetic movement. Diving with such a watch is undoubtedly a pleasure.

The same pleasure in water sports is guaranteed by a more affordable alternative - the Newport Automatic 1658/89CW women's watch from French brand Michel Herbelin with a retail price of €970. Like the aforementioned Ulysse Nardin Lady Diver model, the Newport Automatic is made from materials such as high-grade silver stainless steel, white rubber that fits snugly on the wrist, shimmering mother-of-pearl and anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Diamonds are women's best friends, which is why the model is embellished with them. They are placed on the transparent dial with luminescent markings and a date display. The Michel Herbelin watch operates on the basis of the ETA 2824-2 automatic movement of the acclaimed Swiss Made grade, and the water resistance of 100 metres provides protection against splashes during surface swimming. With sublime style and luxury, the Newport model will complement any evening outfit, business attire or everyday clothes. With the money you save, you will be able to buy even more exceptional watches.

Ulysse Nardin Blast Skeleton X vs Ciga Fang Yuan Series Skeleton Automatic

The last mentioned suggestion of similar watches will be a comparison of two unusual models - the Ulysse Nardin Blast Skeleton X 42mm 3713-260/BLACK that costs around €20,000 and the Ciga Fang Yuan Series Skeleton Automatic Z021-BLBL-W1, which you will get for less than €190! They vary in many ways - they are powered by a different type of movement, are made of different materials (The Ciga watch is made of titanium and alligator leather whereas the Ulysse Nardin watch is made of steel and genuine leather) and are sold for different prices. However, they have one thing in common. An intention to innovate, an unconventional approach to contemporary watchmaking and "that something" that makes it impossible to take your eyes off them.

Both the Blast Skeleton X model and the Fang Yuan Series Skeleton showcase the designers' innovative approach to traditional skeleton watches. In both cases, the eye is drawn to the completely transparent dial revealing the construction and workings of the automatic mechanisms. In addition, they have a similar design and colour scheme. They are dominated by black styling. Although the Ciga watch is not a Swiss made timepiece and is not resistant to magnetic fields, it's definitely worth considering. The potential is in the design. Flexible supports have been placed between the mechanism and the case, making the Ciga Fang Yuan particularly resistant to shocks that negatively affect the operation and precision of the calibre. Still in doubt? Note that this particular product with the reference Z021-BLBL-W1 is the winner of the prestigious German National Design Masterpiece Award 2020 and the winner of the IF Design Award 2019. Such an accolade puts CIGA Design in a position to offer excellent products at affordable prices. Isn't it exceptional? :)

Watches similar to Ulysse Nardin - your affordable alternative

Some of the most expensive watches in the world from Swiss brand Ulysse Nardin represent prestige, luxury, wealth. However, the passion for watchmaking requires a considerable financial investment. Once again, we have proved that you don't have to spend cosmic sums to be able to fulfil your watch dreams. Alternatives to Ulysse Nardin watches are an incredible opportunity to acquire high-value premium products, including Swiss Made timepieces at an affordable price. Take care of your finances, don't take out a loan, don't sell your house and explore the wide range of watches from well-known and respected brands right now!