Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer 1846 Ref. 1183-126 Review

rdenney · 2019-06-16T13:51:25Z

Rick s review of the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer 1846 Ref. 1183-126, featuring caliber 118, discusses its versatility, accuracy, and historical movement context.

rdenney

WPS member · Ulysse Nardin forum

29 replies8430 views6 photos

Rick's acquisition of the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer 1846, Ref. 1183-126, highlights the enduring appeal of a brand's core competency. His personal journey into owning this significant timepiece offers valuable insights for collectors considering a flagship model. The discussion further enriches the understanding of Ulysse Nardin's movement history and the practical performance of its chronometer-certified watches.

29 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

I am not a person with the resources to build an extensive high-end collection, and in fact I have not bought one watch this year at any price point—hence my sparse participation here for the last many months.

So, when I purchase a watch from a premium brand, I generally think it best to stick to their core competency. Thus, my first Zenith-powered watch was an El Primero chronograph, and my Cartier was a Santos—an even more venerable design than the tank.

For Ulysse Nardin, the center of their being just has to be the Marine Chronometer. I’ve admired their dual-time watches in the past, along with the diver. But an opportunity presented itself to buy a Marine Chronometer 1846 that I simply could not resist.

That opportunity happened unexpectedly. I rode along with a watch-collecting friend to Philadelphia in his Maserati—he was pursuing a particular Royal Oak Offshore chronograph. But I asked to look at the UN, fully expecting to find some reason to pass. I did not, rather more to my own surprise than to my friend’s.

I must say, it looks just as good in my Ford as in his Maserati.

Anyway, here are some quick iPhone pics of the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer 1846, ref. 1183-126, with manufacture caliber 118:

Respectfully Submitted,

—Rick

Key Points from the Discussion

The Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer is lauded for its versatility, fitting seamlessly into various settings from casual to formal, making it a highly adaptable timepiece.
The author reports astonishing accuracy from his Marine Chronometer 1846, noting its performance is superior to many mechanical chronometers and nearly on par with standard quartz, attributing this to features like the full balance bridge, free-sprung balance, silicon hairspring, and DIAMonSIL escapement.
A detailed correction clarifies that the Ebel cal. 137 and UN cal. 32 perpetual calendar movements are based on the Lemania cal. 1340, not the 1350, and that UN and Ebel secured exclusive rights to this movement independently of the Swatch Group.
The author explains that the 'Lemania 1350' designation is not a specific caliber but refers to modifications made by Ebel and Breguet, and that UN's access to parts for its UN32 movement was affected by the sale of Lemania and Breguet to Swatch in 1999.
The community acknowledges the practice of 'Vladding' on WatchProSite, where members share compelling photos and information to inspire others to acquire desired watches.
A collector shares a relatable experience of selling watches and later regretting it, specifically mentioning two Ulysse Nardin pieces they had to re-acquire, highlighting the emotional attachment to certain watches.

The Discussion

cazalea

Jun 16, 2019

Great job - I love this watch

It’s fun when the opportunity and resources and the will all coincide. Cazalea

rdenney

Jun 17, 2019

Thank you—fun indeed and rare enough to remain so. [nt]

amanico

Jun 16, 2019

Bravo, Rick. For the watch and for the review. This Marine Chronometer certainly is a good watch. Good looking, with a good movement. Very Ulysse Nardin! [nt]

rdenney

Jun 17, 2019

Thanks—excellent movement indeed—pretty and accurate—timing tests lovely so far. [nt]

MichaelC

Jun 16, 2019

Looks great, Rick!

I hope you will post more freely - does not matter what you have or how often you add! I am a Moderator here and my only acquisition in 12+ months is a $400 Seiko.

rdenney

Jun 17, 2019

But posting in and reading this forum too much is injurious to my bank balance, though entering a watch store is worse! [nt]