A remarkable survivor from the earliest era of modern chronograph development, this Ulysse Nardin monopusher chronograph combines technical ingenuity with the discreet elegance that characterizes Swiss military and aviation timing instruments on the eve of World War II. Housed in a large stainless-steel case, far less common than silver or plated executions, this example offers commanding wrist presence and embodies the highest professional tool-watch standards of its period.

The single-pusher operation controls all chronograph functions start, stop, and reset through a single button integrated into the winding crown, reflecting the earliest evolution of chronograph design before the introduction of dual pushers.

The original cream dial presents a beautifully uniform patina, gracefully aged over more than eight decades. Its arabic numerals and leaf-style hands reflect a highly desirable level of authenticity and coherence. The dial architecture features both a tachymeter scale and telemeter scale, strongly indicating intended use by aviation or artillery officers where distance and speed measurement were crucial operational tools.

The dial retains its correct bicompax layout, with subsidiary seconds at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute chronograph register at 3 o’clock. The typography, minute track density, and handset design together deliver a wonderfully balanced display, one highly sought after by collectors of early European military chronographs.

The case number 399’702 and movement number 28’160 are consistent with documented Ulysse Nardin production for the late 1930s and early 1940s, and confirm the watch as a rare, period-correct configuration. Condition remains honest and appealing, with strong case proportions preserved and all critical original components intact.

Vintage monopusher chronographs from Ulysse Nardin are already scarce, but steel examples with full early-war specification technical dual scales, large diameter, column-wheel calibre are exceptionally difficult to find. A watch of both historical and mechanical importance, this piece represents a highly compelling acquisition opportunity for collectors seeking the foundational roots of the Swiss chronograph tradition.

A truly distinguished and character-rich chronograph combining rarity and authenticity.