Swiss watchmaker Ulysse Nardin‘s latest timepiece is the Imperial Blue, which not only packs in a flying tourbillon and minute repeater, but also plays the Westminster chimes on the hour. Produced in white-gold and blue-tinged sapphire, and limited to 20 numbered pieces, the Imperial Blue rings out the four notes for every passing hour, and sounds the hours, quarter hours and minutes on demand. Energy management plays a key role in the design of this timepiece: the sounding of the passing hours and minutes on demand is powered from a single barrel, wound either partially by activating the repeater slide at 9 o’clock or fully rotating the crown counter-clockwise. When rotated clockwise, the crown winds a second barrel that is dedicated to the movement, with a 50-hour power reserve. An internal system controls the level of energy available. The watch is priced CHF750,000.

Ulysse Nardin has a strong historical connection with the sea, forged through producing mechanical deck chronometers for over 50 navies across the world since the company was founded in 1846. To celebrate the launch of the new Imperial Blue watch a special collection of timepieces is being featured in Harrods, London, throughout June. Click through the gallery below to browse the watches that will be in-store until the end of the month.