Ulysse Nardin

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

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.