2.1381 ULYSSE NARDIN MILITARY POCKET CHRONOGRAPH, SWISS 1940s

£900.00

A large vintage Ulysse Nardin monopusher pocket chronograph dating from the 1940s, made as a professional precision instrument rather than an ordinary pocket watch. The watch combines a large white enamel dial, central chronograph seconds, a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock and continuous seconds at 6.

The military connection is particularly interesting. A closely related Ulysse Nardin chronograph is illustrated in Konrad Knirim’s reference book on military timepieces, where this type is described as a chronograph watch for navigation or artillery purposes. Chronographs were practical military instruments: navigation required accurate measurement of elapsed time, while artillery observation could use timing to estimate distance.

This fits naturally with Ulysse Nardin’s historical speciality. Founded in Le Locle in 1846, the company became particularly well known for marine chronometers, navigation watches and precision chronographs supplied for professional and scientific use.

This example has a gunmetal-finished steel double-back case, giving the watch the subdued appearance typical of a working instrument. The case carries serial number 364726, while the signed Ulysse Nardin movement is numbered 202955.

The movement is a high-quality 17-jewel monopusher chronograph. One push-piece operates the chronograph functions in sequence, while the central hand records chronograph seconds and the upper register counts elapsed minutes.

Specifications

  • Brand: Ulysse Nardin
  • Type: Military / professional pocket chronograph
  • Period: 1940s
  • Movement: Ulysse Nardin manual-winding monopusher chronograph, 17 jewels
  • Case: Blue finished Gunmetal steel, double caseback
  • Case serial: 364726
  • Movement serial: 202955
  • Chronograph: Central chronograph seconds, 30-minute counter
  • Running seconds: Small seconds at 6 o’clock
  • Dial: White enamel
  • Crystal: Vintage mineral crystal

Servicing and Warranty

  • Fully serviced with disassembly in our Bristol shop
  • Mechanics in full working order
  • 12-month movement warranty
  • Warranty Terms and Conditions
  • No water resistance warranty

Movement and historical notes

The movement is signed Ulysse Nardin, Locle & Genève and represents the type of specialist chronograph mechanism for which the manufacture had an established reputation. Ulysse Nardin was strongly associated with precision timekeeping for navigation and professional use, including marine chronometers and precision chronographs.

Konrad Knirim illustrates a closely related Ulysse Nardin pocket chronograph in his military-watch reference and associates this type with navigation or artillery use. This is an important comparison when placing the present watch in its historical context.

At present, however, we prefer not to attribute this particular serial-numbered watch to a specific army, navy, air force or military contract without documentary confirmation. The case and movement serial numbers are recorded above so that its history can be researched further.

Chronograph operation

The watch uses a traditional monopusher chronograph system. A single push-button controls the start, stop and reset functions of the chronograph in sequence.

  • Central hand: chronograph seconds
  • Register at 12: 30-minute chronograph counter
  • Register at 6: continuous running seconds

Important Notes

  • Non-shockproof movement, no water resistance warranty

Dimensions

  • Width without crown: 52 mm
  • Full height with bow: 70 mm
  • Thickness: 15 mm
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