1080
Ulysse Nardin
A large, highly rare and attractive stainless steel pilot’s wristwatch with center seconds, black gilt dial and oversized Arabic numerals
Estimate
HK$75,000–120,000
€8,200–13,100
$9,600–15,400
Live 31 May, 12 PM Hong Kong SAR China Time
Manufacturer
Ulysse Nardin
Year
Circa 1943
Movement No
239’123
Case No
614’121
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Manual, cal. 12’’’ Felsa 264, jewelled
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel pin buckle
Dimensions
38mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial and movement signed
Full-Cataloguing
Good To Know:
- Limited to 288 pieces
- Attractive gilt dial with patina
- Only a handful have appeared in the market
- Fresh-to-the-market
The 1940s pilot's watch embodies the rugged spirit of wartime aviation, born from the urgent demands of World War II cockpits, the genre mostly features an oversized case with large Arabic numerals, luminous hands on a black dial for instant readability in dim or turbulent conditions. Based in Le Locle Switzerland, Ulysse Nardin since 1846 was destined for the greatness of precision in the world of horology. A leader of field instruments conquering seas with the most precise marine deck chronometers aiding over 50 navies in their explorations and conquests, the sky needed their expertise as well.
A treasure from a bygone era, the present pilot’s watch could easily slip under the radar yet fiercely coveted by collectors. Large and sized at 38mm stainless steel screw-back waterproof case, it hails from a limited production run of just 288 pieces from 1943. Only a handful have endured to resurface on the market.
Its black gilt dial, aged like fine Bordeaux, has developed a charismatic patina: subtle gilt flecks bleeding through the once-pitch-black surface, radium burn marks faithfully tracing the hands' original positions (proof of decades in storage), and the luminous material evenly mellowed to that deep, buttery yellow vintage enthusiasts revere. Powered by a finely finished Felsa calibre, this uber rare specimen is fresh-to-the-market.
- Limited to 288 pieces
- Attractive gilt dial with patina
- Only a handful have appeared in the market
- Fresh-to-the-market
The 1940s pilot's watch embodies the rugged spirit of wartime aviation, born from the urgent demands of World War II cockpits, the genre mostly features an oversized case with large Arabic numerals, luminous hands on a black dial for instant readability in dim or turbulent conditions. Based in Le Locle Switzerland, Ulysse Nardin since 1846 was destined for the greatness of precision in the world of horology. A leader of field instruments conquering seas with the most precise marine deck chronometers aiding over 50 navies in their explorations and conquests, the sky needed their expertise as well.
A treasure from a bygone era, the present pilot’s watch could easily slip under the radar yet fiercely coveted by collectors. Large and sized at 38mm stainless steel screw-back waterproof case, it hails from a limited production run of just 288 pieces from 1943. Only a handful have endured to resurface on the market.
Its black gilt dial, aged like fine Bordeaux, has developed a charismatic patina: subtle gilt flecks bleeding through the once-pitch-black surface, radium burn marks faithfully tracing the hands' original positions (proof of decades in storage), and the luminous material evenly mellowed to that deep, buttery yellow vintage enthusiasts revere. Powered by a finely finished Felsa calibre, this uber rare specimen is fresh-to-the-market.
Ulysse Nardin
Swiss | 1846Founded in 1846 in Le Locle, Switzerland, Ulysse Nardin is a widely acclaimed Swiss watch manufacturer that earned recognition for its precision chronometers during the early to mid-twentieth century. Ulysse Nardin himself was a trained watchmaker under the guidance of his father, Leonard-Frederic Nardin, as well as master watchmakers Frederic William Dubois and Louis Jean Richard-dit-Bressel. Collectors in particular seek this brand's oversized vintage chronograph wristwatches, including the reference 7536-2.