Important Watches, Collector's Wristw...

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Oct 13, 2001

LOT 669

Ulysse Nardin - Locle (Suisse) No. 28449 circa 1939.Fine silver, keyless, dead-seconds break-circuit deck-watch with power reserve indicator and special balance.

CHF 4,000 - 6,000

USD 2,400 - 3,600

Sold: CHF 4,600

C. Four-body, massive, "bassine et filet", polished, silver hinged cuvette, silver bolt at 6 o'clock to activate the circuit-breaking, insulated from outside, silver pin for transmitting the signal. D. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds and 30-hour up-and-down scale. Blued steel "spade" hands. M. 47,6 mm (21'''), frosted and gilt, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, Anibal-brass Guillaume balance, blued steel Breguet balance-spring with terminal curve and "swan-nek" micrometric regulator, escape wheel pinion fitted with a cam for contact-breaking each second.Signed on the dial, case and movement. Diam. 64 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

In a letter to the US Naval Observatory in 1910, Paul Nardin wrote that between 1883 and 1910 the company made only 50 break-circuit survey chronometers for scientific institutions around the world.The Break-Circuit (Survey) Chronometer was designed to assist in surveying and mapping operations as well as solar observations and scientific experiments in remote areas that require accurate and audible time signals. The first break-circuit mechanism was installed in 1874 by the Negus brothers, chronometer makers from New York. Survey chronometers were superbly finished and adjusted in order to meet the requirements of the surveying and scientific communities.For an explanation of Guillaume balance see note to lot No. 720.