Ulysse Nardin Classico Hayashi Tokeishu Limited Edition

The Ulysse Nardin Classico represents the more traditional side of a manufacture often celebrated for pushing watchmaking in decidedly unconventional directions. This particular example, Reference 3203-900LE-4A-HAY/1A, makes the familiar Classico considerably more unusual. Created for Japanese retailer Hayashi Tokeishu, it was produced in an edition of just 15 pieces, giving an otherwise restrained dress watch an exceptionally specific provenance.

The edition draws inspiration from Japanese master potter Yamato Sakutaro, whose name appears on the caseback. Rather than relying on an overt complication or dramatic redesign, the collaboration is expressed through subtle details and an emphasis on craft. The warm silver sunburst dial is especially handsome, with applied Arabic numerals, slender hands, and the Ulysse Nardin anchor at 12 o’clock. A recessed small-seconds register at 6 o’clock incorporates a discreet date display, adding functionality without disturbing the dial’s balance.

Its 39mm stainless steel case gives the watch contemporary proportions while retaining the elegance expected of a traditional dress piece. Inside is an automatic Ulysse Nardin movement, while the watch is paired with its original leather strap and signed buckle.

This example is Case No. 4 of 15 and remains unworn, accompanied by its inner and outer boxes, complete paperwork, and original unworn strap and buckle. With such a tiny production run, completeness matters: there simply aren’t many opportunities to find another.

What makes this Classico compelling isn’t rarity for rarity’s sake. It is the specificity of the story: a Swiss manufacture, a Japanese retailer, the influence of a Japanese ceramic artist, and just 15 watches that bring those disparate worlds together.

Founded in 1846 in Le Locle, Switzerland, Ulysse Nardin built its early reputation creating highly accurate marine chronometers for navies and merchant ships around the world. That connection to the sea remains an important part of the brand, but its modern identity is considerably more rebellious.

Beginning in the 1980s, Ulysse Nardin emerged as one of the more adventurous names in complicated watchmaking, producing everything from astronomical complications and minute repeaters to unconventional automata. The arrival of the Freak in 2001 changed the conversation entirely. With no conventional dial, crown, or hands, its rotating movement indicated the time, while its pioneering use of silicon foreshadowed a technology that would become increasingly important in Swiss watchmaking.

Today, Ulysse Nardin combines that technical experimentation with a distinctly contemporary design language across collections such as the Freak, Blast, Diver, and Marine. More than 175 years after its founding, the company remains difficult to categorize, which is arguably its greatest strength: a historic manufacture that seems most comfortable when challenging watchmaking tradition rather than simply preserving it.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.