Ulysse Nardin

What are the differences, if any, the the San marco GMT and the new GMT big Date 40 mm version?

Are the movements in both the same? What movement in both? ETA?

Any other differences?

Thanks.

Off the top of my head, the San Marco's are the first generation UN GMT with possibly enamel dial and solid caseback. Size is possibly 38mm and I don't think they come with big date. They are quite rare nowdays and definitely discontinued.

The GMT Big Date co-exsisting with the relatively 'newer' Dual Time 42mm, has guilloche dial with roman numerals, center second hand, sapphire caseback, UN-22 (I think base is ETA2892) and 40mm in size.

The main difference of the Dual Time is that it has bigger 42mm in size, UN-24 movement (also ETA based), sub-second and looks 'sportier'.

GMT Big Date is more suited with business attire while the Dual Time is more versatile. Saying that, I wear my GMT even when in bermuda's !

... among which the GMT watches were but a part. So the "San Marco" series included the famous enamel dial models in both, cloisonné and plain enamel with guilloche base, and the various GMT models in round cases, including those for the ladies. If I recall correctly, there were also San Marco chronographs in earlier times.

At some time ago, it was decided to discontinue the name "San Marco" as a complete line. The San Marco Gigante was the last watch under that name.

Technically, there were no changes at all, between the GMT watches under the "San Marco" flag, and what is now more technically called "Dual Time". It is the same movement, based on the ETA 2892A2, with UN's own GMT and big date mechanisms (both invented by Ludwig Oechslin).

Regarding the diameters, already under its old designation, there were already various diameters available, but none larger than 40mm. Now the standard diameter of the Dual Time is 42mm with a small second, while the 40mm versions still have the central sweep second.

The only real difference between old and new are the casebacks. While the new ones feature a sapphire displayback, the older ones had a solid caseback with the San Marco lion beautifully embossed, as is shown here on a San Marco Lady GMT:



Personally, I preferred the old caseback version, since the 2892 is not a beautiful movement, but a nicely made caseback is something worth to look at.

Hope this helps,
Marcus
This message has been edited by Marcus Hanke on 2009-01-28 00:09:07

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Just another caseback from the San Marco series:

nt

Yes

Its the only UN watch in my collection

I intend to add the Berlin Chronosplit and FREAK later this year.

... to our enamel dial gallery on the UN reference page?

Regards,
Marcus

Marcus you're welcome.

Thanks for all the info.