Marine Chronometer 1846 150th Anniversary in Platinum model 269-20

Jul 27, 2017,09:38 AM
 

After 10 years of thinking and 2 years of actual searching finally recently got hold of one of my grail pieces.
Couple of years back spotted a thread that mentioned a very special run of only 3 pieces produced in Platinum of the 150th anniversary Marine Chronometer - already one of my favourite pieces that I had somehow never added to the collection.

In 1996 Ulysse Nardin produced two commemorative pieces for their 150th anniversary.

The first being the Perpetual Ludwig - 150 copies each in yellow gold (331-22), rose gold (336-22) and platinum (339-20). I already have the platinum piece and it is a beauty.
The second being the Marine Chronometer 1846 - 250 copies each in yellow gold (261-22), rose gold (266-22) and white gold (260-22).
Additionally it transpires UN produced a very limited run of 3 pieces of the Marine Chronometer 1846 in platinum (269-20).
I will do a second thread shortly on UN model numbers - at a glance the number gives the movement and case material, strap/bracelet details and sometimes a dial finish.

Well after 2 years of searching I have managed to acquire number 2 of the 3 pieces produced in platinum and have made contact with the owners of numbers 1 and 3 - pretty cool for a piece over 20 years old! There is a little mystery as to whether all 3 pieces were actually sold in 1996, number 1 was definitely sold in the U.K. in 1996, number 3 was first sold (I believe) in 2006 in the US and number 2 (my piece) looks likely to of also first been sold in 2006 in the U.K. - can't verify this but some supporting documents seem to suggest this.

The piece is in mint condition and came fully loaded.
There is an original style wooden Chronometer box (very retro and lovely) and a more modern large blue wooden box with sliding draw. Couple of badges for Marine collection and a plaque about the Marine Chronometer 1846 limited edition also in the box. There is also lovely little UN leather travel box.
The piece came with platinum tang buckle and additionally a white gold clasp - don't believe UN made platinum clasps at this time? There is also an unused black rubber strap still in plastic - similar to the one I have in blue for my Marine Perpetual - I'm not sure this rubber strap is contemporary to 1996?
Limited edition card- 2 of 3.
Warranty card for 1996 (no dealer stamp) and COSC certificate.
Additionally there is a UN brochure from 1996 featuring the standard 150th commemorative pieces and mentioning optional clasps.
Couple of copies of advertising leaflet for the Marine Chronometer- interestingly the older copy says the run length for the RG, YG and WG versions is 300 each making a total of 900 pieces - by the time the second revised version was produced this had changed to 250 copies of each model - total 750 pieces.
Lastly, there is a copy of the book 'Making of a Masterpiece' from 2006 with a dedication from Rolf to the owner - a very nice touch. Something to treasure with the piece.

Picture time.
One thing to note compared to the WG, YG and RG versions is the Matt finish to the case back - standard is a polished finish.






































































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Comments: view entire thread

 

Couple more pics.

 
 By: russell996 : July 27th, 2017-09:47
...  

Enjoy

 
 By: mywatchbuy : July 27th, 2017-09:52
Congrats man

Fantastic and big congratulations.

 
 By: ninolitaliano : July 27th, 2017-10:01
I am madly in love Marine chronometers, without date. I believe Daren possess nĀ°1. Best. Nino

Many thanks.

 
 By: russell996 : July 27th, 2017-10:59
Yes he does.

HUGE congrats for this rare nugget!

 
 By: MichaelC : July 27th, 2017-17:39
Wow Russell, this is surely a limited timepiece. But beyond that - if we can, obviously 3 pieces total is not to be overlooked - the watch is astounding. I wish UN would do more editions like this one. Enjoy!

Thank you Michael.

 
 By: russell996 : July 28th, 2017-02:10
I am really pleased with the piece - been a favourite for a long time and then to get one of such a limited edition is the icing on the cake.

Congratulations! What an awesome find. I love my RG version.

 
 By: SRG : July 27th, 2017-10:02
I had no idea that this watch came in PT. Cool! ...  

Thank you.

 
 By: russell996 : July 27th, 2017-11:00
I also love RG version. Perfect.

Wow, haven't seen this for a long time

 
 By: Hororgasm : July 27th, 2017-10:10
Congrats and wear in good health Best, Horo

Took a while to find.

 
 By: russell996 : July 27th, 2017-11:01
Thank you.

This is a special event.

 
 By: TheMadDruid : July 27th, 2017-10:40
Hearty congratulations!

Very pleased with it.

 
 By: russell996 : July 27th, 2017-11:01
Thank you.

Beautiful watch.

 
 By: kev09 : July 27th, 2017-11:11
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about it and seeing your pictures. Congratulations. Regards Kev.

Numbering.

 
 By: russell996 : July 27th, 2017-11:35
I notice that unlike my other UN's the production number is different on this piece. Whereas typically it is either 'No. 00X' or for Limited edition pieces 'xxx/500', this one is 'UN 2' - not 'No. 2'. ...  

Russell, thank you so much for this thread. I am a big fan of this version, which I didn't know it existed in platinum. I was...

 
 By: amanico : July 27th, 2017-11:37
Sure it was made only in rose, yellow or white gold. The superiority of this version compared to the later ones? The lack of date. The dial is super pure. Bravo, and once again, thank you! Nicolas

We are both fans of the no date.

 
 By: russell996 : July 27th, 2017-11:45
Timeless classic I think. I think with only 3 pieces made and no marketing material that I can find this piece has basically flown under the radar for 20 years. Only slight differences to the rose, yellow and gold versions aside from the metal - non polis...  

Grand Feu dial.

 
 By: russell996 : July 27th, 2017-11:40
Extract from 1996 catalogue. Ā± ...  

Fantastic watch

 
 By: wms01 : July 27th, 2017-13:04
Big congratulations.

Have to say I loving the look.

 
 By: russell996 : July 27th, 2017-14:46
Thank you.

Unboxing is fun.

 
 By: russell996 : July 27th, 2017-14:45
Wearing is even better.

Oh so true! (nt)

 
 By: Ronald Held : July 28th, 2017-13:36
NT

Beauty!

 
 By: Luis6 : July 27th, 2017-15:37
I'm normally not bothered by date windows, but really don't like seeing subdials cut off or eaten out by date windows. On this version it's perfect. The dial truly resembles a marine clock.

Thank you Russell for this discovery as I didn't know that this UN has been made in platinum.

 
 By: Alkiro1 : July 27th, 2017-16:55
Huge congratulations. Enjoy and wear it in the best of your health. Best wishes Alkiro

I love the simplicity and size.

 
 By: russell996 : July 27th, 2017-22:31
Thank you.

Enjoy your honey moon period šŸ˜‰

 
 By: Alkiro1 : July 28th, 2017-01:14
Best wishes Alkiro

LOL. Yes I know what you mean.

 
 By: russell996 : July 28th, 2017-02:06
It has been at least a 10 year engagement though. šŸ˜Š Thinking of fitting the rubber strap to give it more summer versatility. Looking at the rubber strap packaging it has the model 263-22 written on it which was the stainless steel version with square date...  

10 years of engagement and 2 years of hunt! Wow, you're almost a monk after such a long wait šŸ˜

 
 By: Alkiro1 : July 28th, 2017-02:29
I'm sure you'll now keep it for a long time. All that I wish you šŸ™ Best wishes Alkiro

I am patient.

 
 By: russell996 : July 28th, 2017-02:50
My 5131 was 8 years from order to delivery. šŸ‘

I think the rubber strap was not available before 2000 or 2001 ...

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : September 4th, 2017-05:25
... with the release of the 40mm "Marine Diver". I believe it was only then when it was also made for the 38mm Marine Chronometer. However, I have to quote this from my admittedly leaky memory. Marcus

Russell, you did a sterling job of revealing this gem

 
 By: Tim Jackson : August 2nd, 2017-07:15
Your patience is to be commended, pieces like this rarely surface once in a collection ;-) I miss the #3 every time I strap on the RG version, but I'm still happy to at least have the RG! Your research into the background is fantastic. To my knowledge, th...  

Thanks Tim

 
 By: russell996 : August 2nd, 2017-09:39
Yours is a beauty.

I'm late to the show, but . . .

 
 By: M4 : August 4th, 2017-02:11
. . . superb acquisition. Just an awesome piece, it ticks all the boxes for me. Great story and perseverance to acquire a dream piece. Big time congratulations! M4

Thank you, I am very pleased.

 
 By: russell996 : August 4th, 2017-02:25
Looks and wears fantastically. šŸ‘