Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Du Rhône, Oct 15, 2006

LOT 186

Stainless Steel ?Deck Chronometer? Ulysse Nardin, Locle & Genève, No. 128159. Made in April 1961 in a limited edition of 500 pieces. Fine stainless steel, keyless, circuit-break lever chronometer deck watch with power reserve indication and Guillaume balance. Accompanied by the fitted mahogany deck box with electrical terminals and outer mahogany traveling case.

CHF 6,000 - 8,000

EUR 3,800 - 5,000 / USD 5,000 - 6,500

C. Three-body, massive, "bassine", polished, bolt at 6 to activate the circuit-breaking, insulated pin for transmitting the signal, screwed-down back. D. Matte silvered with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds and 36-hour up-and-down scale. Blued steel "spade" hands. M. 50 mm (22'''), frosted and gilt, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, Anibal-brass Guillaume balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator, escape wheel pinion fitted with a cam for contact- breaking each second. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 64 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

In a 1910 letter to the US Naval Observatory, Paul Nardin wrote that from 1883 to 1910 the company made only 50 circuit-break survey chronometers for scientific institutions worldwide. The circuitbreak (Survey) Chronometer was designed for surveying and mapping operations, solar observations, and scientific experiments in remote areas requiring accurate, audible time signals. The first circuit-break mechanism was installed in 1874 by the Negus brothers, chronometer makers from New York. Survey chronometers were superbly finished and adjusted, to meet the requirements of the surveying and scientific communities.