InDebtButOnTime's heartfelt account of reuniting with his Ulysse Nardin collection offers a poignant look into the emotional connection collectors form with their watches. This narrative, detailing the journey of selling and reacquiring beloved pieces like the "Blue Max" and Marine Perpetual, resonates deeply within the community. It highlights the enduring appeal of Ulysse Nardin's "golden era" watches and the personal stories behind building a cherished collection.
My first UN was a Marine Annual Calendar Chronograph. Next I was likely one of the first in line to acquire a Blue Max. Third came a blue dialed San Marco Dual Time. Then, after beating up numerous workmates
over taking out a 2nd on the mortgage of their home to buy a car I did that very same thing to get my grail watch (!) when I ran into a Marine Perpetual ltd in Las Vegas (after thinking it was too late to get a new one from an AD). I found out later that it may have been the last (#495/500). In an effort to knock down that debt I stupidly sold the other three UNs. A most respected watch advisor and my wife tried to talk me out of that madness but to no avail. Later I realized they were right and began my quest to reacquire nice examples of my first three UNs. None were easy to find as it seems all UNs from the Rolf and Ludwig period were low production.
About 8 years ago I found the same version Annual Calendar Chronograph, then a few years ago I ran across the same blue dialed version of the San Marco Dual Time.... and finally a couple of weeks ago I found the one I was about to give up on, the Blue Max! Not as perfect as the one I gave up but nice and with B&P, chronometer certificate, booklets, a new unused rubber strap was included also. Just serviced with a two year
warrantee. Card shows that it was originally sold in Geneva in 2003. Still a fan of the brand but I feel that was their golden era. When I look at most of their new pieces their asthetics often "X"s them off my list!
I've been waiting a long time to be able to take this Family Portrait!
