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Hotel Nogalhilton Geneve, Nov 11, 2001

LOT 257

Ulysse Nardin, Locle, Suisse, No. 4054, circa 1940.Fine and rare prototype, 2 day-going marine chronometer with special balance and power reserve indication, in its water-resistant aluminum and nickel cylindrical box.

CHF 8,000 - 10,000

USD 5,000 - 6,300

Sold: CHF 12,650

C. Brass bowl with threaded glazed bezel gimbaled in two-body round aluminum box with hinged glazed top, aluminum handles, front key-lock, gimbal ring locked by swiveling arm, spring-loaded stabilizing lever. D. Off-white, matte, radial Roman hour numerals, outer minute ring, Arabic seconds on subsidiary dial at 6 o'clock. Blued steel "spear" hands. M. 83 mm, frosted gilt brass, baluster pillars, secured by screws, fusee and chain, Earnshaw spring-detent escapement, anibal-steel Guillaume compenation balance with four round weights, special steel alloy free-sprung helical balance spring with terminal curves, jeweled to the center.Signed on the dial, movement and case.Dim. Bowl 11 cm diam., box 18 cm diam.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 2

Very good
Dial: 2 - 01

Notes

The cylindrical waterproof box that holds this chronometer was an exhibition prototype, and was never sold. Although the dials indicate an 8 day power reserve, the movement is actually a 2 day-going one. This is a typical compromise in pieces intended for exhibition.