amanico
[JLC Moderator]
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An unexpected arrival: Ulysse Nardin Vintage Chronograph.
I wanted to replace my Ulysse Nardin Monopusher Chronograph for a long time, one of the gone watches I miss the most, and was ( still am ) on the hunt for one.
Till one day, one friend came with some watches he had for sale...
Among these, a superb Vintage Chronograph I already saw some 12 or 13 years ago, which I could not forget.
So, in 7 or 8 years, this was just the second time I saw this one.
A big sized chronograph, whose case has a diameter of precisely 37, 8 mm, for approximatively 12 mm height.
The distance between the lugs is 20, 3 mm, which will oblige you to carefully choose your strap, a Nato or a special order swen band, as the lugs are... Fix.
The case is a big asset of this watch, and not only because of its generous dimensions.
Have a look at the large bezel: It adds to the character of this watch, as well as the lugs which are quickly falling at their extremity.
The two rectangular pushers bring some distinction, too.
The crown has a correct proportion, and is unsigned.
Now, have a look at the the dial... It is a big part of the strong charm of this Chronograph, revealing a lot of details.
It is not only in great condition for a 74 ( !!!) years old watch, it is a captivating marvel to admire.
The first detail which jumps to the eyes is this double tachymetric and Telemetric blue scale, and especially this snail shaped Tachymeter.
Between the Telemetre and the minute indexes, you have a very thin metallic ring, a subtle but very fine separation between these two informations, too.
And, as you can see, the minutes chorongraph hands and the small seconds are heated blue, while the big hands ( Chronograph seconds hand, minute and hour hand ) have some corrosion, but look very nice as they are.
Another look under the natural light:
Now, let's see what is hidden under the solid snap back case...
The Valjoux 22:
This is, as you can see, a 14 lines ( 32, 60 mm ) manual column wheel movement, 17 jewels, beating at the pace of 18 000 alternances per hour, offering a power reserve of circa 40 hours ( a bit more, I tested that ), which is 6, 40 mm high.
When you visit the Valjoux site, it is said that this movement was produced from... 1914 to... 1974, but it is not precised how many were made.
You can also learn that this movement received a second pusher since 1936.
Some extra photos: Is this me, my eyes, or my heart, but it seems that this movement, in this Ulysse Nardin, has been slighly finished ( anglages )?
And a close up:
One word on the pushers, which are smooth like butter... Another delicious detail.
This Ulysse Chronograph was in my luggage, this summer, which allowed me to take some pictures of it in the right context, the Sea.
The presence on the wrist is very pleasant... The big size is certainly one explanation, the awesome dial and the elegant strenght of this chronograph are other undisputable reasons.
One major catch of this year, for me.
There are some unanswered questions, though.
Ulysse Nardin told me that my chronograph was made in 1942, but I still don't know what were the production years, nor how many were made.
One thing is sure, this is one very nice specimen, which will join my other chronogaphic marvels...
Here a last photo of it, side by side with a Longines 30 CH, to show how much these Vintage Chronographs rule!
Just be warned, this is a true Pandora's box hiding so many marvels....
Looking forward to reading your thoughts and comments,
Best.
Nicolas.
This message has been edited by amanico on 2016-05-17 14:40:45
More posts:
An unexpected arrival: Ulysse Nardin Vintage Chronograph.
I wanted to replace my Ulysse Nardin Monopusher Chronograph for a long time, one of the gone watches I miss the most, and was ( still am ) on the hunt for one. Till one day, one friend came with some watches he had for sale... Among these, a superb Vintag...
A very unusual bezel.
Big, but also flat. It makes this watch very distinctive-not mistakable for another chronograph even though the dial fits the era of manufacture. The blue print scales are a real plus to me. Congratulations on getting this one. I think you got a real priz...
There are some vintage chronographs from the 40's with such a bezel. Look at some Longines 13 ZN, for example.
This is one of the reasons I immediately fell in love with that one. For 6 years, now! Best, my friend. Nicolas
Congrats on an exellent find!
What a beauty to share with your dreamy photos. Vintage chronos are in the spotlight these days. Best fernando
Very nice and so elegant....
Bravo my friend, you've got an extremely acute olfactory sense to find these hidden treasures. Is it good for truffles as well I don't know if it is the picture, the bezel design or the subtle colour on the dial but the watch looks larger than its dimensi...
Planning to slowing down
After see this one, how can I slowing down now? Top class brand, top class chrono Time to take my sleeping pill Ronald
Congratulation my friend
Now I have to take another piils to sleep I like the stone background, reminds me another stone I saw before Ronald
I had not seen it before, congrats!
It looks awesome on your wrist. What a great addition for you!
Very cool addition!
So is this the watch the crocodile has been hiding since late last year? A very interesting piece in wonderful condition - looking forward to seeing more pictures of it! Just out of curiosity, are all Valjoux 22 movements blessed with butter smooth pusher...
Strong statement.
Dear Nicolas, Sincere congratulations to such a marvellous addition to your collection. A fantastic tachymeter and telemeter chronograph in pristine condition. A color scheme that fits UN perfectly while the movement shines. Do you happen to have a pictur...
Hello Nicolas!! This is a wonderful catch for sure! I love that dial! How not to love...
... such a dial? The blue scales, the snail scale, the double line dividing scale and minutes, and even the charming little letters employed for the brand markings make for a dial we view and exclamate: Wow!. The thick flat bezel adds to the beauty of thi...
as far as Chronos go.....
....I feel I have what I want....BUT......when i saw this one of yours, it did suggest to me some hot min my thinking. Beautiful watch, Nicolas. It is elegant, classy and special all at the same time. Just beautiful on many levels.
for me....
.....it is a big decision to extend my Chronos. If i did, it would be in a direction like this....or maybe 6238s.
wasn't expecting to lose one...but it happened....
......the way i see it, on manual chronos...i am covered with the Retrograde, Rolex PN and 5070. Its a nice mixture of styles, across different manufacturers and in different metals. It sort of has the base nicely covered.
Sure that you managed to get an interesting representation of Chronographs.
But you miss an important one.. The king of all Chronographs... a Rattrapante.... No, no don't thank your evilish friend. Best, Nicolas
there is a problem with that....
.....if you start with one Ratta, you need to get 2 or 3. So i stick on manual chronos with the three I have....
absolutely lovely piece. So charming!
Although I'm sad you have the mono-pusher missing... This is a good reason to enjoy the presense of this piece. Really wonderful! Thanks for bringing out the beauty of it and sharing with us! S
Saw last summer:
I can only say that, looked in the real, it is simply a great mix of strength and elegance... thanks for your courtesy dear friend!
Nicolas excellent chronograph with a nice caliber sure that pushers are very soft.
Congratulations friend. All the best Juan
Thanks, my friend. Yes, this is a very nice detail.
The condition is the cherry on the cake, too... Best, Nicolas
Gorgeous UN Chrono Nico!!!!
Wow, that is quite lovely. The dial is superb and the overall style fantastic. I have to say, that last image with the Longines, just blows me away...top vintage pieces!!! Thanks for sharing this gem with us. Cheers, Tim
Thanks for your kind words, my dear Tim.
After five years of selfish pleasure, I decided to share it, finally. That is how I see a vintage Chronograph. This one has many assets. Character, charm, presence, exquisite, beauty... With a nice mouvement inside. Best, Nicolas
Didn't react to this beauty
It is absolutely gorgeous, the case design, the dial is to die for, a fantastic catch ! Enjoy Francois
Although we have never met (yet) Nicolas...
I feel I know you and this watch is "so YOU!" Man, what a find and a treasure. FANTASTIC.
macro
your photography is really superb. I wonder how that dent at 6 o'clock happened
Well, I don't know, it was there when I bought the watch. A 74 years old watch...
May have some " wounds of war ". Best, Nicolas
Greetings from the Netherlands, UN Vintage 40's
Hi, I've seen your beautiful UN Vintage en maybe could you help me with mine. What' s your opinion? Original or fake? ...
I am sorry to say that I am not sure. The case is not familiar to me, I don't see the movement number...
The case back has a different engraving than on mine... I cannot seriously say. Best, and welcome here by the way. Nicolas
Thanks for your fast answer
Thanks for your fast answer! Maybe I will try to do better pictures with more details. I bought this one approx. 5 years ago in Germany.... Greatings Radek
