COMMENT
This Ulysse Nardin from the 1930s features a striking black mirror dial with gilt lettering, presenting an elegant and disciplined design. The combination of a minute track and gilt cross lines, along with the simple 13–3–9 layout, imparts a distinctly period character. The manufacturer's logo is printed in small letters to avoid standing out—an element that reflects the production methods of the era. Gold-coloured baton hands complement the gilt text, while the case adopts a clean, refined structure with a round profile and straight lugs. Notably, the watch uses fixed lugs rather than spring bars.
The dial retains excellent mirror gloss and, considering the age, is in remarkably strong condition. Only minimal ageing is visible, placing it among the higher-grade examples of its generation. The case is also well preserved, and the matching final digits of the serial numbers on the case back and mid-case confirm its period correctness. Fully serviced by our watchmaker.
From the late 19th to the early 20th century, Ulysse Nardin built an unshakeable reputation in the field of marine chronometers, supplying the navies of more than 50 countries—a scale of operation that surpassed even Longines at the time. The high-quality Staybrite case, the meticulously crafted gilt dial, and the overall design language encapsulate the distinctive charm of the 1930s.
BRAND
Founded in 1846, Ulysse Nardin pioneered the development of marine chronometers and held a virtual monopoly in the field, supplying fleets across more than 50 nations. Building on this legacy, the brand established itself as a premier maker of pocket watches and later became known for its mastery of complications. In recent years, it has continued to innovate, introducing highly practical mechanisms such as crown-operated forward and backward date adjustment.