Ulysse Nardin can trace their history back to 1846. This Michelangelo UTC has the large split date window, reference number 223-48.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From our research, we have found this model for sale in the Ulysse Nardin range in 2008. The watch was available earlier, but the hour markers were not the simple arrow heads used here until circa 2008.
CONDITION
This Michelangelo uses the same calibre UN22 movement as the Ulysse Nardin San Marco watches, which has a very easy way of setting a second time zone. Rather than use an extra hand to show the time zone, Ulysse Nardin developed a second window at 9 – this should be sent to your home city time, and that is done via the crown. Once you have landed in a different time zone you simply press the pusher at 10 to make the hour hand jump forward one hour, or the pusher at 8 to make the hour hand go back one hour at a time. You wouldn’t even need to unbuckle the watch. It is a clever complication, and as far as we know unique to Ulysse Nardin.
The watch reminds us of the Franck Muller Casablanca we have recently sold. The case is not as curved, and the extra complications demand the case on this watch is thicker, but as well as the shape the quality is very similar. You would expect excellent quality – in 2008 these were $6,400 (in comparison a Rolex GMT Master II was $5,950, and an Omega Speedmaster Professional was $4,300). The case has a few light marks from being worn, but nothing important. The sapphire crystal is perfect, as is the dial and the blued hands (which have quite good lume). The enamel in the crown is all in one piece, and the back has not been engraved. The strap is new, and we have refitted the original buckle. The crown does screw down easily, although that is not shown in the photographs and videos.
This watch will be supplied with a 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 and pushers 39.6 mm
Width without crown 35.2 mm
Between lugs 19 mm
Lug to lug length 47.4 mm
Case Thickness 12.7 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 6 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.