Ulysse Nardin's Rolf Schnyder Presented With Lifetime Achievement Award

Among the many notable happenings at the first-ever Asian edition of the Grand Prix d'Horologerie de Geneve (2008) in September, was a presentation of a "Lifetime Achievement Award" to Ulysse Nardin CEO Rolf Schnyder.  Dr. Bernard Cheong, a notable member of the Singapore watch collecting community and co-chair of the jury spoke admiringly of Schnyder, describing him as the "resurrector of Ulysse Nardin” and an individual who “turned the world on its industrial head and changed the face of the industry.”

Rolf W. Schnyder purchased the Ulysse Nardin brand in 1983, a period in which the marque was suffering deeply from the effects of the 1970's quartz crisis.  As a result of Schnyder's vision and leadership, Ulysse Nardin not only weathered the storm which nearly claimed the entire mechanical watchmaking industry, but went on to become one of the world's most celebrated--and innovative--luxury watch brands.  Among the many accomplishments attributable to Ulysse Nardin in the field of haute horlogerie include the creation of the remarkable "Trilogy of Time" astronomic watches, the Sonata, and a range of exquisite minute repeating watches with automaton works, exemplified by such creations as the Genghis Khan, Circus, and the Forgerons.  Aided by brilliant horological minds such as Dr. Ludwig Oechslin and Pierre Gygax, Rolf Schnyder and Ulysse Nardin have also led the charge seen in the watch industry to utilize silicon (silicium) for the fabrication of watch escapements.  

After graciously receiving his award, Rolf Schnyder gave an acceptance speech which recognized the importance of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie gaining an Asian Edition.  Noting the significance of Asian watch collectors, and the Singapore community in particular, Mr. Schnyder commented, "Singapore is, for me, the most knowledgeable watch corner in the world."