Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Authenticity Check

Dr3w · 2017-08-29T12:36:14Z

Dr3w questions the authenticity of his Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer gift. Experts confirm it s a fake due to movement, dial, and caseback inconsistencies.

Dr3w

WPS member · Ulysse Nardin forum

24 replies8960 views9 photos

Dr3w seeks community expertise to verify the authenticity of a Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer received as a gift. His post details concerns about the movement, reference number, and caseback inscription, which do not align with online images. This query highlights the challenges collectors face in identifying counterfeit watches, especially when details appear inconsistent.

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hi all, first time posting.

Some time ago I was given this UN watch by a wealthy family friend as a gift. I never really thought much of it as I was pretty young at the time and didn't have much interest in watches untill recently.

A little while ago I cracked the read viewing crystal on the back and the mechanism stopped working. In my research into getting it repaired I've begun to question whether or not it's even real.. the weight seems fine to me, as does the dial and band, but the movement doesn't seem to match based on other online images. It also says marine chronograph on the back and the ref. Number seems incorrect. Is it possible this has been cobbled together from various UN parts?

I'm not too bothered as I didn't spend any of my own money on it, but can anyone tell me for certain if it is fake, and how you know?

Key Points from the Discussion

The watch is confirmed to be a counterfeit due to several inconsistencies, including a non-genuine movement and rotor, incorrect case serial number size, jagged strap links, and a purple dial color not typically used by UN.
Despite the counterfeit's attempt to reproduce typical Marine Chronometer details like the coin edge bezel and power reserve hand, it contains 'silly mistakes' such as the 'Chronograph' text on the caseback, which is incorrect for this model.
The lume dots on the dial do not align with the Roman numerals, which is another clear indicator of a fake.
The movement and rotor are definitively not genuine, even if the OEM movement for some UN models is an ETA base.
A separate user also seeking to verify a UN watch's authenticity highlights the broader issue of fakes in the market and the need for expert verification.

The Discussion

vitalsigns

Aug 29, 2017

I'm going with fake on this one. Poor dial quality and details. Movement appears incorrect. Other elements not consistent with real UNs. [nt]

No message body

Dr3w

Aug 29, 2017

UN fake

Thanks for the reply! I won't bother getting it repaired then, glad I didn't spend anything on it. Think it's worth anything as parts or should I just chuck it?

vitalsigns

Aug 29, 2017

I would chuck it, personally. [nt]

anonymous09

Aug 29, 2017

Yep. Movement and rotor are definitely not genuine, even though the OEM movement is ‘just’ an ETA.

Dial too, as mentioned above – I don’t think UN have ever done a purple dial, not even as a Ltd Edition.

Dr3w

Aug 29, 2017

Thanks for your help! Feels way better knowing [nt]

amanico

Aug 29, 2017