Manufacturer: Ulysse Nardin Year: Circa 1940’s Movement No: 126’999 Case No: 387’925 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, jeweled Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
The 1940’s marked an important era for chronograph wristwatches with some examples achieving an iconic status in the world of horology today. Based in Le Locle, Ulysse Nardin was regarded as one of the top manufacturers producing beautiful chronograph timepieces at the time with quality movement finishing and reliability.
The present specimen from 1940’s is an extraordinary example of the aesthetics and style of the period. Housed in a 37.5mm diameter case, it was considered extremely large at the time with most wristwatches manufactured at the time measuring between 30mm – 33mm diameter and was considered the norm. However, considered as the picture perfect dimension today, the articulate 3 part case with angular lugs is simply a pleasure to wear and look at. Fitted inside is a well-preserved two-tone dial with gilt text, a tachymeter scale with a 60-second register to the left and a 30-minute register on the right positioned in perfect alignment and symmetry. The grey outer minute track provides the wearer with enhanced legibility creating a wonderful and subdued contrast against the glossy black dial.
Presented with an attractive overall case condition with desirable bevels on the lugs with crisp edges paired along with a tasty two tone dial, the present specimen from Ulysse Nardin is a great opportunity for lovers of chronograph wristwatches to acquire a vintage chronograph wristwatch manufactured by one of the greats at the time.
Founded 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.