A solid 14k gold Chronometer by Ulysse Nardin. What’s not to like?
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the engraving on the case back we can accurately date this watch to being presented to Arthur Whiteside by Kraft foods in 1955.
CONDITION
A chronometer is considered the top standard in watchmaking. To make the grade, the watch will have been tested in various positions and temperatures to ensure that it stayed within +4/-6 seconds a day, which is an accuracy greater than 99.99%. To achieve this before computers and CNC machines required the finest materials and skills of the best watchmakers, and they are quite hard to find in watches of this period outside of the hallowed turf of Patek, Vacheron or Audemars.
The starting point for this accuracy was a Peseux 180A manual wind movement, but you can visibly see the extra finishing that Ulysse Nardin did. Not only are the bridges finished with Cotes du Geneve striped decoration, but the base plate of the movement is also finished with a circular pattern. It is attention to detail that separates the finest watches from mere very good watch, and this is evident here. The case back would likely not have been removed except by the watchmaker, so the customer couldn’t even witness the work that was done. The two part case is solid 14k gold, stamped with the Swiss hallmarks, and would likely have been intended for the American market. The dial is very good, and the applied stick indices and hands are also likely to be gold. The strap shown in the photos has light wear, but this is decent quality. We can swap this for a new strap if you prefer.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 35.3 mm
Width without crown 33.4 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 40.6 mm
Case Thickness 7.9 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
