The Classic UN...

Jun 16, 2019,13:51 PM
 

I am not a person with the resources to build an extensive high-end collection, and in fact I have not bought one watch this year at any price point—hence my sparse participation here for the last many months.

So, when I purchase a watch from a premium brand, I generally think it best to stick to their core competency. Thus, my first Zenith-powered watch was an El Primero chronograph, and my Cartier was a Santos—an even more venerable design than the tank.

For Ulysse Nardin, the center of their being just has to be the Marine Chronometer. I’ve admired their dual-time watches in the past, along with the diver. But an opportunity presented itself to buy a Marine Chronometer 1846 that I simply could not resist.





That opportunity happened unexpectedly. I rode along with a watch-collecting friend to Philadelphia in his Maserati—he was pursuing a particular Royal Oak Offshore chronograph. But I asked to look at the UN, fully expecting to find some reason to pass. I did not, rather more to my own surprise than to my friend’s.

I must say, it looks just as good in my Ford as in his Maserati.

Anyway, here are some quick iPhone pics of the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer 1846, ref. 1183-126, with manufacture caliber 118:





















Respectfully Submitted,

—Rick


More posts: El PrimeroEl Primero ChronographMaseratiRoyal OakRoyal Oak Offshore

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Great job - I love this watch

 
 By: cazalea : June 16th, 2019-14:03
It’s fun when the opportunity and resources and the will all coincide. Cazalea

Looks great, Rick!

 
 By: MichaelC : June 16th, 2019-14:08
I hope you will post more freely - does not matter what you have or how often you add! I am a Moderator here and my only acquisition in 12+ months is a $400 Seiko.

Well, this is true. There is a condition on this website known as "Vladding"

 
 By: MichaelC : June 17th, 2019-17:29
This means to torment fellow members with awesome photos and information of a watch they desire. Soon, they weaken and succumb to the pressure. It is really one of the very special practices unique to WatchProSite. And you might guess who this tradition i... 

ROFL, Chimael! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 17th, 2019-22:58

Hi Rick...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : June 16th, 2019-14:10
congratulations on netting your UN. In my opinion our love of watches is not all about spending vast sums of money, I’ve enjoyed finding some great vintage watches that are less than $2,000. Thanks for sharing your new watch with us.

Thank you! [nt]

 
 By: rdenney : June 17th, 2019-08:21

Rick, That's A Great Watch And....

 
 By: elliot55 : June 16th, 2019-15:51
.... What a great post. Your Ulysse Nardin Chronometer is beautiful.

U-nbeleivably N-ice!

 
 By: InDebtButOnTime : June 16th, 2019-21:07
The only UN's I wonder about are the ones I (regrettably) let go of. Enjoy that beauty! Congratulations on that acquisition!

Oh, I can relate to that....

 
 By: InDebtButOnTime : June 17th, 2019-12:41
I'm somewhere around 60. Would be around 90 without selling some. I only get upset with selling if I miss a piece so much I have to find that particular one again to repurchase it. There's been 2 UNs on that list but that doesn't include the Blue Max I so... 

Well done Rick!

 
 By: M4 : June 16th, 2019-22:10
You are correct that the Marine line is the essence of UN. You made a great choice and the watch looks terrific on your wrist. Congratulations. M4

One advantage of an 8” wrist is no reluctance to wear a 43mm watch.

 
 By: rdenney : June 17th, 2019-08:27
But vintages can look a bit dainty.  —Rick ...  

Thanks!

 
 By: rdenney : June 17th, 2019-08:29
This is certainly the positive reinforcement forum! —Rick

Congratulations on a great piece

 
 By: russell996 : June 17th, 2019-09:15
👍

Thank you. [nt]

 
 By: rdenney : June 18th, 2019-08:24

Looks great man!

 
 By: notdnl : June 17th, 2019-15:34
UN has always flown under the radar with some fantastic pieces. Movement and rotor are nicely adorned as well.

A very good decision ...

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : June 18th, 2019-07:42
The Marine Chronometer in my opinion is among the most versatile of all timepieces. It appears great on the wrist even with only bathing trousers on, or a suit, or casual. As you said: The same good figure in a Ford and a Maserati. Especially the model yo... 

Thanks, Marcus

 
 By: rdenney : June 18th, 2019-08:21
The watch I wore into the store was a Zenith Captain Chronograph, which is both less fancy and dressier. That’s the key to the versatility—it is fancy without being too dressy. I have as a long-term curatorial goal to own every variant of the Lemania 1350... 

May I put a few things straight...

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : June 18th, 2019-08:38
Both the Ebel cal. 137 chronograph and the UN cal 32 perpetual calendar are based on the old Lémania cal. 1340 (with central minute hand, used in the Omega Speedmaster 125), not the 1350. UN and Ebel bought the exclusive rights on the cal. 1340 and commis... 

As I understand it, the 1350 doesn’t exist per se

 
 By: rdenney : June 18th, 2019-10:53
But is the designation given to the modifications done by both Ebel and Breguet when both were related through Investcorp and for several previous years. But UN, as I understand it, lost access to their UN32 parts when Lemania and Breguet were sold to Swa... 

Accuracy is astonishing

 
 By: rdenney : June 21st, 2019-09:02
Actual wrist performance—I have worn the watch continuously for six days except when working out (I use a Swatch Sistem51 for sweaty stuff). More accurate by far than any of my mechanical watches, many of which are chronometers. Nearly as accurate as stan...  

Excellent results! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 21st, 2019-09:03