Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer 1846 Platinum Ref. 269-20

russell996 · 2017-07-27T09:38:26Z

Discover the ultra-rare Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer 1846 150th Anniversary in Platinum, a limited edition of 3 pieces. Collector s grail find.

russell996

WPS member · Ulysse Nardin forum

40 replies14786 views33 photos

Russell996 shares the culmination of a decade-long search for a highly elusive Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer 1846 150th Anniversary in Platinum. This post details the acquisition of one of only three such pieces ever produced, offering a rare glimpse into a unique and historically significant Ulysse Nardin reference.

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After 10 years of thinking and 2 years of actual searching finally recently got hold of one of my grail pieces.
Couple of years back spotted a thread that mentioned a very special run of only 3 pieces produced in Platinum of the 150th anniversary Marine Chronometer - already one of my favourite pieces that I had somehow never added to the collection.

In 1996 Ulysse Nardin produced two commemorative pieces for their 150th anniversary.

The first being the Perpetual Ludwig - 150 copies each in yellow gold (331-22), rose gold (336-22) and platinum (339-20). I already have the platinum piece and it is a beauty.
The second being the Marine Chronometer 1846 - 250 copies each in yellow gold (261-22), rose gold (266-22) and white gold (260-22).
Additionally it transpires UN produced a very limited run of 3 pieces of the Marine Chronometer 1846 in platinum (269-20).
I will do a second thread shortly on UN model numbers - at a glance the number gives the movement and case material, strap/bracelet details and sometimes a dial finish.

Well after 2 years of searching I have managed to acquire number 2 of the 3 pieces produced in platinum and have made contact with the owners of numbers 1 and 3 - pretty cool for a piece over 20 years old! There is a little mystery as to whether all 3 pieces were actually sold in 1996, number 1 was definitely sold in the U.K. in 1996, number 3 was first sold (I believe) in 2006 in the US and number 2 (my piece) looks likely to of also first been sold in 2006 in the U.K. - can't verify this but some supporting documents seem to suggest this.

The piece is in mint condition and came fully loaded.
There is an original style wooden Chronometer box (very retro and lovely) and a more modern large blue wooden box with sliding draw. Couple of badges for Marine collection and a plaque about the Marine Chronometer 1846 limited edition also in the box. There is also lovely little UN leather travel box.
The piece came with platinum tang buckle and additionally a white gold clasp - don't believe UN made platinum clasps at this time? There is also an unused black rubber strap still in plastic - similar to the one I have in blue for my Marine Perpetual - I'm not sure this rubber strap is contemporary to 1996?
Limited edition card- 2 of 3.
Warranty card for 1996 (no dealer stamp) and COSC certificate.
Additionally there is a UN brochure from 1996 featuring the standard 150th commemorative pieces and mentioning optional clasps.
Couple of copies of advertising leaflet for the Marine Chronometer- interestingly the older copy says the run length for the RG, YG and WG versions is 300 each making a total of 900 pieces - by the time the second revised version was produced this had changed to 250 copies of each model - total 750 pieces.
Lastly, there is a copy of the book 'Making of a Masterpiece' from 2006 with a dedication from Rolf to the owner - a very nice touch. Something to treasure with the piece.

Picture time.
One thing to note compared to the WG, YG and RG versions is the Matt finish to the case back - standard is a polished finish.

Key Points from the Discussion

The platinum version of the Marine Chronometer 1846 is exceptionally rare, with only three pieces produced, making it a significant find for collectors.
The decision to produce the platinum Marine Chronometer 1846 was reportedly due to a specific request from a UK collector, with Rolf Schnyder agreeing on the condition that the AD would commit to three pieces.
Many collectors, including the author, appreciate the 'no date' purity of the dial on this specific 150th Anniversary Marine Chronometer, considering it a timeless classic.
The platinum model features a matte finish to its case back, distinguishing it from the polished finish found on the rose, yellow, and white gold versions.
The production numbering on this platinum piece is unique, marked as 'UN 2' instead of the typical 'No. 00X' or 'xxx/500' for limited editions.
The rubber strap included with the watch, marked for the 263-22 stainless steel version, might be contemporary to the piece, as the stainless steel model with a square date window was introduced shortly after the 150th anniversary limited editions.

The Discussion

ninolitaliano

Jul 27, 2017

Fantastic and big congratulations.

I am madly in love Marine chronometers, without date. I believe Daren possess n°1. Best. Nino

russell996

Jul 27, 2017

Many thanks.

Yes he does.

MichaelC

Jul 27, 2017

HUGE congrats for this rare nugget!

Wow Russell, this is surely a limited timepiece. But beyond that - if we can, obviously 3 pieces total is not to be overlooked - the watch is astounding. I wish UN would do more editions like this one. Enjoy!

russell996

Jul 28, 2017

Thank you Michael.

I am really pleased with the piece - been a favourite for a long time and then to get one of such a limited edition is the icing on the cake.

SRG

Jul 27, 2017

Congratulations! What an awesome find. I love my RG version.

I had no idea that this watch came in PT. Cool!

russell996

Jul 27, 2017

Thank you.

I also love RG version. Perfect.