In the comparison video titled “Rolex Submariner “Smurf” vs UN MAXI MARINE DIVER: Rolex 116619LB Ulysse Nardin 260-32-8M,” WatchBox Reviews aims to evaluate two luxury dive watches: the Rolex Submariner “Smurf” and the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver. The Rolex Submariner is widely recognized as the standard for dive watches and features a 40mm white gold case, a blue lacquer dial, and a ceramic bezel. On the other hand, the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver is a limited edition watch with a white gold bracelet and a unique dial design inspired by marine chronometers. Both watches offer their own strengths and appeal to different collectors, making this a compelling comparison for luxury watch enthusiasts.
Design
The design of a luxury watch is an important aspect when it comes to choosing the perfect timepiece. Both the Rolex Submariner and the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver showcase exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail that are synonymous with their respective brands.
Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner is renowned for its iconic and timeless design. With its distinctive round case and bold, luminescent indices, the Submariner combines elegance with functionality. The watch features a stainless steel construction that exudes durability and strength, making it an ideal choice for water sports enthusiasts and diving aficionados. The classic black or blue dial options add versatility to the design, allowing the Submariner to seamlessly transition from a day at the office to a weekend adventure.
Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver
The Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver showcases a more contemporary design that appeals to modern watch enthusiasts. The watch features a larger case size compared to the Submariner, with a robust and masculine aesthetic. The Maxi Marine Diver offers a variety of dial color options, including black, blue, and silver, allowing individuals to personalize their timepiece to suit their style. The watch also incorporates sporty elements such as a unidirectional rotating bezel and bold hour markers, giving it a distinct and adventurous look.
Case
The case of a watch not only protects the inner mechanisms but also contributes to its overall aesthetic appeal. Both the Rolex Submariner and the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver boast well-crafted cases, ensuring durability and style.
Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner features a robust and reliable Oyster case, which is crafted from corrosion-resistant stainless steel. The case measures 40mm in diameter, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. The Submariner’s case is equipped with a screw-down crown and a solid case back, ensuring a water resistance level of up to 300 meters (1,000 feet). The attention to detail in the case construction is evident, with polished and brushed finishes adding depth and sophistication to the design.
Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver
The Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver boasts a slightly larger case compared to the Submariner, measuring 43mm in diameter. The case is made of stainless steel, providing durability and corrosion resistance. The Maxi Marine Diver’s case also features a screw-down crown and a solid case back, ensuring a water resistance level of up to 300 meters (1,000 feet). The case design incorporates bold and angular elements, giving the watch a modern and distinctive look.
Bezel
The bezel of a dive watch serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. Let’s explore the bezel designs of the Rolex Submariner and the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver.
Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner showcases a unidirectional rotating bezel made of Cerachrom, a highly scratch-resistant ceramic material. The bezel is designed with engraved markers and numerals, allowing divers to easily track elapsed time underwater. The Cerachrom bezel is not only durable but also aesthetically pleasing, with its black or blue color options complementing the dial and overall design of the Submariner.
Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver
The Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver also features a unidirectional rotating bezel, adding both functionality and style to the watch. The bezel is crafted from stainless steel and is available in alternating brushed and polished finishes. The Maxi Marine Diver’s bezel is marked with vibrant and contrasting numerals, making it easy to read elapsed time during dives. The bezel design harmonizes with the overall sporty and modern aesthetic of the watch.
Dial
The dial of a luxury watch is not only a practical component but also a canvas to display artistry and craftsmanship. Let’s delve into the dial designs of the Rolex Submariner and the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver.
Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner boasts a clean and iconic dial design that has remained largely unchanged over the years. The dial features large luminescent hour markers and Mercedes hands, ensuring excellent legibility even in low light conditions. The black or blue dial options offer versatility, making it suitable for both formal and casual settings. The dial is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, adding another layer of durability to the timepiece.
Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver
The Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver presents a contemporary dial design that exudes sportiness and sophistication. The dial is available in various color options, including black, blue, and silver, catering to individual style preferences. The hour markers and hands are generously coated with luminescent material, ensuring optimal legibility in any lighting situation. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, which is known for its scratch resistance.
Movement
The movement of a watch is the heart that drives its precision and functionality. Let’s explore the movements powering the Rolex Submariner and the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver.
Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner is equipped with a self-winding mechanical movement, known as the Rolex Caliber 3135. This movement is renowned for its reliability and accuracy, thanks to its perpetual rotor and Parachrom hairspring. The Caliber 3135 also boasts a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, ensuring that the Submariner can keep accurate time even when not worn for a couple of days.
Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver
The Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver utilizes the Manufacture Caliber UN-26, a self-winding movement crafted in-house by Ulysse Nardin. This movement incorporates Ulysse Nardin’s innovative silicon technology, offering enhanced precision and durability. The Caliber UN-26 has a power reserve of approximately 42 hours, allowing for reliable timekeeping throughout daily wear.
Power Reserve
The power reserve of a watch indicates how long it will continue to run without being wound. Let’s compare the power reserve capabilities of the Rolex Submariner and the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver.
Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner boasts a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. This means that if the watch is fully wound, it will continue to keep accurate time for up to 48 hours, even if it is not being worn or wound further. This power reserve is a testament to the efficiency of the self-winding Caliber 3135 movement, allowing Submariner owners to rely on their timepiece for extended periods without requiring winding.
Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver
The Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver has a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Although slightly less than the Submariner, the 42-hour power reserve of the Maxi Marine Diver is still impressive. It ensures that the watch can run accurately for over a day without being wound, providing convenience and reliability to the wearer.
Water Resistance
Water resistance is a crucial feature for dive watches, as it determines their suitability for underwater activities. Let’s compare the water resistance capabilities of the Rolex Submariner and the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver.
Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner is renowned for its exceptional water resistance capabilities. The watch is water-resistant to a depth of 300 meters (1,000 feet), making it suitable for professional diving as well as recreational water activities. The screw-down crown and solid case back provide an additional layer of protection against water intrusion, ensuring that the Submariner remains reliable and watertight even in challenging underwater conditions.
Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver
The Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver also boasts a water resistance level of up to 300 meters (1,000 feet). This makes it suitable for diving and other water-related activities. The watch features a screw-down crown and solid case back, ensuring the integrity of its water-resistant design. Whether exploring the depths of the ocean or simply enjoying a swim, the Maxi Marine Diver offers peace of mind with its robust water resistance capabilities.
Bracelet
The bracelet of a watch not only serves as a functional component for securing it to the wrist but also adds to the overall aesthetic appeal. Let’s compare the bracelet designs of the Rolex Submariner and the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver.
Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner’s bracelet is made of stainless steel and features a solid Oyster link construction. The three-piece link design provides comfort and flexibility, allowing the Submariner to adjust to various wrist sizes. The bracelet is secured with a folding Oysterlock safety clasp and also features an innovative Glidelock extension system for easy adjustment without the need for tools. The Submariner’s bracelet integrates seamlessly with the case, creating a cohesive and elegant look.
Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver
The Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver’s bracelet is also made of stainless steel and features a robust and sporty design. The bracelet incorporates brushed and polished links, adding visual contrast and depth to the overall look of the watch. It is secured with a folding buckle and offers micro-adjustment options, allowing for a comfortable and precise fit. The bracelet’s design complements the bold and adventurous aesthetic of the Maxi Marine Diver.
Limited Edition
Limited edition watches hold a special allure for watch collectors and enthusiasts. Let’s explore the limited edition offerings of the Rolex Submariner and the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver.
Rolex Submariner
Rolex periodically releases limited edition versions of the Submariner, featuring unique design elements and special collaborations. These limited edition models often generate significant interest and appreciation among watch enthusiasts and collectors. The exclusivity of these editions adds to the desirability and investment value of the Submariner, making it a coveted timepiece for those seeking a distinctive and rare watch.
Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver
Ulysse Nardin also offers limited edition versions of the Maxi Marine Diver, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design. These limited edition models are typically produced in small quantities, adding to their exclusivity and collectability. The unique design elements and intricate details found in these special editions make them highly sought after by watch enthusiasts who appreciate the artistry and individuality of each timepiece.
Conclusion
Both the Rolex Submariner and the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver exemplify the pinnacle of luxury watchmaking. Their exceptional designs, robust constructions, and reliable movements make them outstanding choices for those seeking both style and functionality. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of the Submariner or the contemporary sportiness of the Maxi Marine Diver, both watches are sure to make a lasting impression.
