Minute repeating wrist watches have been the reserved territory of only a handful of manufactories with the mastery of such a complication. For connaisseurs these watches are grails and crown jewels of their collection.

Whereas we are used to seeing minute repeater wrist watches from the 1950s from Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet or Vacheron Constantin, the discovery of a large, exceptionally preserved yellow gold Ulysse Nardin minute repeating wrist watch was a true transcendental moment. Not only had we never seen a similar piece from Ulysse Nardin but we had never heard of its existence either.

In 1846, Ulysse Nardin, set up his workshops in Le Locle (Switzerland) with a focus on chronometers and highly complicated astronomical wristwatches. During the first half of the 20th century the brand continued receiving prizes at the prestigious Geneva and Neuchatel Observatory trials, and focused its production mainly on time only and chronograph wristwatches. This is why the present minute repeater comes as such a surprise.

Made in 1950 as confirmed by the Ulysse Nardin Extract from the Archives, the present timepiece could be easily mistaken for an attractive three hand wrist watch were it not for the discreet trigger on the left side of the case. Once activated the repeater function produces an incredibly pleasing chime, crystal clear and surprisingly loud.

In exceptionally preserved condition, the large 36mm case of the present Ulysse Nardin minute repeater has most probably never been polished. The silver dial has turned a pleasing ivory color, the baton indexes, Arabic 12 and dagger shaped hands provide amazing panache to the watch.

Most probably a unique piece and being offered for the first time this Ulysse Nardin presents an opportunity to obtain a superb grail piece.