An unexpected arrival: Ulysse Nardin Vintage Chronograph.
amanico
I wanted to replace my Ulysse Nardin Monopusher Chronograph for a long time, one of the gone watches I miss the most, and was ( still am ) on the hunt for one.
Till one day, one friend came with some watches he had for sale...
Among these, a superb Vintage Chronograph I already saw some 12 or 13 years ago, which I could not forget.
So, in 7 or 8 years, this was just the second time I saw this one.
A big sized chronograph, whose case has a diameter of precisely 37, 8 mm, for approximatively 12 mm height.
The distance between the lugs is 20, 3 mm, which will oblige you to carefully choose your strap, a Nato or a special order swen band, as the lugs are... Fix.
The case is a big asset of this watch, and not only because of its generous dimensions.
Have a look at the large bezel: It adds to the character of this watch, as well as the lugs which are quickly falling at their extremity.
The two rectangular pushers bring some distinction, too.
The crown has a correct proportion, and is unsigned.
Now, have a look at the the dial... It is a big part of the strong charm of this Chronograph, revealing a lot of details.
It is not only in great condition for a 74 ( !!!) years old watch, it is a captivating marvel to admire.
The first detail which jumps to the eyes is this double tachymetric and Telemetric blue scale, and especially this snail shaped Tachymeter.
Between the Telemetre and the minute indexes, you have a very thin metallic ring, a subtle but very fine separation between these two informations, too.
And, as you can see, the minutes chorongraph hands and the small seconds are heated blue, while the big hands ( Chronograph seconds hand, minute and hour hand ) have some corrosion, but look very nice as they are.
Another look under the natural light:
Now, let's see what is hidden under the solid snap back case...
The Valjoux 22:
This is, as you can see, a 14 lines ( 32, 60 mm ) manual column wheel movement, 17 jewels, beating at the pace of 18 000 alternances per hour, offering a power reserve of circa 40 hours ( a bit more, I tested that ), which is 6, 40 mm high.
When you visit the Valjoux site, it is said that this movement was produced from... 1914 to... 1974, but it is not precised how many were made.
You can also learn that this movement received a second pusher since 1936.
Some extra photos: Is this me, my eyes, or my heart, but it seems that this movement, in this Ulysse Nardin, has been slighly finished ( anglages )?
And a close up:
One word on the pushers, which are smooth like butter... Another delicious detail.
This Ulysse Chronograph was in my luggage, this summer, which allowed me to take some pictures of it in the right context, the Sea.
The presence on the wrist is very pleasant... The big size is certainly one explanation, the awesome dial and the elegant strenght of this chronograph are other undisputable reasons.
One major catch of this year, for me.
There are some unanswered questions, though.
Ulysse Nardin told me that my chronograph was made in 1942, but I still don't know what were the production years, nor how many were made.
One thing is sure, this is one very nice specimen, which will join my other chronogaphic marvels...
Here a last photo of it, side by side with a Longines 30 CH, to show how much these Vintage Chronographs rule!
Just be warned, this is a true Pandora's box hiding so many marvels....
Looking forward to reading your thoughts and comments,
Best.
Nicolas.
This message has been edited by amanico on 2016-05-17 14:40:45
Comments:
descartes1 May 17th, 2016-14:54
That's a real killer, and so under the radar. Love it!
TheMadDruid May 17th, 2016-15:11
A very unusual bezel. Big, but also flat. It makes this watch very distinctive-not mistakable for another chronograph even though the dial fits the era of manufacture. The blue print scales are a real plus to me. Congratulations on getting this one. I think you got a real priz...
amanico May 18th, 2016-03:35
There are some vintage chronographs from the 40's with such a bezel. Look at some Longines 13 ZN, for example. This is one of the reasons I immediately fell in love with that one. For 6 years, now! Best, my friend. Nicolas
fernando May 17th, 2016-17:23
Congrats on an exellent find! What a beauty to share with your dreamy photos. Vintage chronos are in the spotlight these days. Best fernando
amanico May 18th, 2016-03:36
Yes, indeed. But there are some serious reasons to that. They are timeless.
Sandgroper May 17th, 2016-17:52
Very nice and so elegant.... Bravo my friend, you've got an extremely acute olfactory sense to find these hidden treasures. Is it good for truffles as well I don't know if it is the picture, the bezel design or the subtle colour on the dial but the watch looks larger than its dimensi...
amanico May 18th, 2016-03:37
Thanks, François. I always preferred watches to truffles. ;)
watchthatman May 17th, 2016-18:31
Congrats Nicolas! Very happy for you! The font of the numerals the colors the spiral tachymeter, Wow! And you took some great shots! Robert
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amanico
Ulysse Nardin Royal Blue Tourbillon. Simply Royal.
amanico
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