MrkK
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A few more
1. ref 511-51 from 1984 oor 1985. AFAIK it is one of the first watches released by UN after Rolf Schnyder acquired the company. 6 or 7 were released with this dial. I was told by UN that the numerals of the dial aren't painted, but the dial is executed in Niello technique when the silver blank is covered in sulphur, fired to oxidize it and then the dial is engraved. I never heard of this technique used in dial making. The base movement is Venus 190
2. Next is ref. 440-22. It is a white gold, black dial variant of the one Emmanuel posted. Because of the lack of anti reflective coating and glossy dial, the watch is very difficult to photograph. The same number as rose or yellow gold variants was released, but the white gold version is the rarest by whatever reason.
3. The third one started live as the same watch Emmanuel posted. Later, the dial was replaced with the guilloche prototype dial which was never put in production. What is interesting is that Mr. Schnyder ordered a few prototypes and they were all numbered as #1. Rolf gave them to friends, so there are are a few watches with Nr. 1 dials floating around.
3. The third one started live as the same watch Emmanuel posted. Later, the dial was replaced with the guilloche prototype dial which was never put in production. What is interesting is that Mr. Schnyder ordered a few prototypes and they were all numbered as #1. Rolf gave them to friends, so there are are a few watches with Nr. 1 dials floating around.
A Ulysse Nardin Split-Second Chronograph
This Split-Seconds Chronograph has a 39.7 x 14 x 45.5 mm pink gold case and a cream dial. It is powered by one of the now legendary vintage Venus 179 split-seconds calibers found and used in the early 90s by a few manufacturers including Ulysse Nardin, Gi...
Thank you, Dirk!
Your message made me realise that I forgot to include the photos of the movement, that were patiently waiting to get uploaded on my computer. I got distracted and forgot, but thanks to you, I've been able to complete my post... Thanks again! Best, Emmanue...
You continually open my eyes to beauties from years gone by
Thank you, Emmanuel, for your incredible dedication to our Community! This Ulysse Nardin is a stunner.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Michael.
I find this UN stunning too. Best, Emmanuel
Wonderful watch, Emmanuel. Thank you.
Add these very limited Parmigiani pieces to the Venus 179 lineage. I think there are only 10 of these but I don't know if that is 10 in each dial color or 10 total. Photos: A Collected Man M4 ...
Thank you, M4. I wasn't aware of these watches.
I've done some research and you'll definitely want to check this page, which seems to give precise information about these pieces (the "About this watch" section): https://artle.com/catalog/toric-rattrapante-limited-to-10-pieces/ I will of course make a p...
Thanks for the link Emmanuel. Good info in there.
I had forgotten about this 2-register white dial chronograph by PF. I agree, it is the best of them all with its clean and elegant dial. Thanks again my friend. M4
A few more
1. ref 511-51 from 1984 oor 1985. AFAIK it is one of the first watches released by UN after Rolf Schnyder acquired the company. 6 or 7 were released with this dial. I was told by UN that the numerals of the dial aren't painted, but the dial is executed in...
Well, this is quite an incredible trio!
Thanks a lot for sharing these photos and these valuable informations! Best, Emmanuel
What a contrast between this classic and elegant look
and some of UN’s contemporary overbold looks.
The brand name is the same,
but apart from that, many things seem to have changed. I'm unfortunately too ignorant about this brand to be able to trace its history and explain the huge contrast you are pointing. Best, Emmanuel
Oh no, not at all, unfortunately.
I haven't even seen one of those in real life... Best, Emmanuel
It does indeed!
And I'm happy to see that no-one is blaming the 14 mm thickness here, whereas thickness has been the main target of criticism concerning the new Urban Jürgensen models, which ironically are all beneath 14 mm! Best, Emmanuel
Agreed 😊
The proportions are spot on here. As for the UJ models - as said, maybe it’s just the pictures, as the dimensions themselves are not shocking 🤷🏻♂️
Exactly, I'm convinced that photos don't do them justice.
And I really think the UJ-1 isn't getting the love I think it deserves: it's a tremendous watch.
Undoubtedly 👌🏻👍🏻
There’s also the question of timing - possibly it would have been gobbled up much more if it came out 2-4 years ago 🤷🏻♂️
What a stunning watch! ...
... shown on equally stunning pictures! Decades have passed since I could handle one or two of these legendary Venus UNs in person. Marcus
Thanks for this post, we don't see this caliber enough!
Hope you continue on this topic with specimen from other brands that were lucky to use it. I would also appreciate any comment on how this Venus 179 caliber could be compared technically, esthetically, etc. with modern splits from Montblanc Minerva. Askin...
Hi Smironov,
My technical knowledge is unfortunately too limited to tell the exact differences between the Venus 179 and the MB 16.31 . But, looking at these two photos side by side, I can spot two differences : The MB 16.31 has a more sophisticated regulator of the b...
Thanks Emmanuel!
So, looks like, 16.31 is at least as good if not better technically but much better finished. Where Venus wins is the rarity and historical significance. Agree?
Yes, I agree.
The 16.31 is by no means inferior and looks gorgeous, but it doesn't have the same history.
What a beautiful and classy looking Ulysse Nardin Split-Second Chronograph.
Everything just looks so right and good on this one i especially like the pusher in the crown for the split seconds function as feel this makes the watch far more balanced. Now with beautiful watches like this in UN's history they really need to do a Brie...
I feel the same way, Marc.
But UN seems to be taking another path for the moment. Best, Emmanuel
Wonderful series of great posts on Venus 179
This UN execution is fantastic! Love its design, especially the dial with individual number on it. The yellow/pink gold case with this kind of onion crown (which reminds me of the UN monopusher chronograph from the same era), square pushers and the blued ...
"Warmth and elegance of the old days":
I couldn't say it better. You're completely right about no. 1: here it is below, together with nos. 8 & 18, all three in yellow gold, but only no. 1 has a unique finishing. Best, Emmanuel credit: Watch Brothers London (no. 1) & Macau Timepiece Museum ...
Yes, they really made it special.
But I would say that the more "ordinary" finishing of the other numbers fits the classic and discreet identity of this watch a little better...