Determined and hard-working, the brave canine can reach impressive heights of achievement. With his innate honesty, generosity and loyalty, he has real leadership qualities, and finds it easy to make and keep friends. Appropriately for his position on this beautiful Classico, the dog appreciates the finer things in life. Ulysse Nardin celebrates his intelligence with the “Year of the Dog” timepiece, the latest addition to the Classico Collection.

In this lively depiction, the artist brings this affectionate creature to frolicsome life in the great outdoors. The image is further refined through centuries-old enameling methods. Grand Feu, so named for the incredible heat required to fuse the enamel, is combined with the Champlevé technique, involving the carving of cells with a chisel directly on the dial, which are then filled with different colored enamels. The final step, which is also the most delicate, consists of enriching the motif by chiseling all the metal parts on the surface.

This ancient art of enameling is incredibly rare, and only a handful of craftspeople in the world have mastered this decorative technique to the degree displayed in this timepiece. For almost 30 years, Ulysse Nardin has been bringing this enamel artistry to its dials, and is in fact one of the only watchmakers devoted to the centuries-old craft. It is practiced in-house at Donzé Cadrans, a member of the Ulysse Nardin group of companies.

The Classico Collection numbers a series of original enameled pieces, beloved and collected by many. This Chinese New Year, beginning in February 2018, Ulysse Nardin presents the “Year of the Dog”. A limited edition of 88 pieces in 18-karat rose gold, it is powered by the self-winding UN-815 movement. It boasts a 42-hour power reserve along with a COSC certification. Set in a 40-mm case, the unique Grand Feu Champlevé enamel timepiece is water-resistant to 50 m and held in place with an alligator strap.

Combining characteristic engineering excellence with the artistic mastery of enameling, the Classico Dog is a reliable timepiece of elegant beauty, ideal for the brave, loyal individual with an instinct for leadership and a love of luxury.