Nubeo Ulysses Pulsar Shadow Review: A Cosmic Statement Piece With Skeleton Style — USAKING Watches®

Nubeo Ulysses Pulsar Shadow: A Bold Leap into Space-Inspired Horology

While many watch brands look to the past for inspiration, Nubeo has consistently set its sights on the stars. Known for oversized, adventurous timepieces influenced by astronomy, deep-sea exploration, and science fiction, the brand appeals to collectors who crave something beyond the conventional. The latest addition, the Ulysses Automatic Limited Edition Pulsar Shadow, continues this tradition with a dramatic skeletonized design that pays homage to one of humanity's most ambitious space missions.

A Brand Built Around Exploration

Nubeo has carved a niche for itself by celebrating scientific discovery rather than traditional watchmaking themes. From jellyfish and deep-sea creatures to lunar missions and distant galaxies, each collection tells a story that transcends simple timekeeping. The Ulysses collection draws inspiration from the Ulysses Solar Mission—a joint NASA and ESA spacecraft launched in 1990 to study the Sun's poles. This mission revolutionized our understanding of the solar wind and the Sun's magnetic activity, making it a fitting muse for a watch that feels equally futuristic.

Skeleton Design with Galactic Personality

The standout feature of the Pulsar Shadow is undoubtedly its dial. Instead of hiding the movement behind a conventional face, Nubeo employs a layered skeletonized construction that allows the automatic calibre to become part of the design. Bridges, gears, and wheels are visible through geometric cutouts, giving the watch an industrial feel while reinforcing its space-inspired aesthetic. The Pulsar Shadow colourway pairs a stealthy black case with vivid purple accents, creating a look that evokes a distant nebula rather than a typical sports watch. Applied luminous hour markers ensure legibility despite the dial's complexity. It certainly isn't subtle, but that's exactly what makes it fun.

Big, Bold, and Unapologetic

Nubeo has never been a brand for the faint-hearted, and the Ulysses continues that philosophy. The stainless steel case measures 48mm across with a 52mm lug-to-lug distance, offering substantial wrist presence. Despite its size, the integrated case design helps it wear more comfortably than the numbers might suggest, particularly for those with larger wrists. An anti-reflective mineral crystal protects the dial, and the watch offers 30 metres of water resistance—suitable for everyday wear rather than aquatic adventures.

Automatic Power Inside

At its heart lies a Japanese automatic movement, visible through both the skeleton dial and exhibition case back. While the exact brand and model of the movement remain undisclosed, it is confirmed not to be Seiko. Nubeo positions this collection primarily around design, but the automatic movement provides the mechanical charm enthusiasts expect. It eliminates the need for batteries and allows wearers to enjoy the constantly moving balance wheel beneath the dial. The exhibition case back completes the experience, reminding you that much of the appeal lies in watching the mechanics at work.

Limited Edition Appeal

Like many recent Nubeo releases, the Ulysses is produced as a limited edition, adding an element of exclusivity for collectors. Each model is individually numbered, making it more appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate smaller production runs rather than mass-produced watches.

Specifications

Model: Nubeo Ulysses Automatic Limited Edition Pulsar Shadow NB 6134 06
Case: Stainless Steel
Case Size: 48mm
Lug-to-Lug: 52mm
Crystal: Anti-Reflective Mineral Crystal
Movement: Japanese Automatic
Dial: Skeletonised Purple and Black
Water Resistance: 30 metres
Strap: Silicone
Limited Edition: Individually Numbered
Price: Approximately £350

Winding Things Up

Nubeo has never chased minimalism, and the Ulysses Pulsar Shadow makes no apologies for that. This is a watch designed to stand out, combining an oversized case with an intricate skeleton dial and a colour palette inspired by deep space rather than the boardroom. Its niche looks complement the 48mm case size (too large for most), and Nubeo is clearly aiming for the wow factor. At around £350, it delivers a distinctive mechanical watch with genuine personality, making it an attractive option for budget collectors who already own the classics and want something that sparks conversation. If your watch collection already has enough black-dial dive watches, the Ulysses offers a welcome reminder that horology can still have a sense of imagination.