Ulysse Nardin two-day marine chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1947
Maker / issuer
Ulysse NardinThis Ulysse Nardin marine chronometer, identified by serial number 5259 and dated to circa 1947, is housed in a mahogany box measuring 19 x 19 x 19 cm. The three-body mahogany case features heavy brass inlay on all edges, brass carrying handles, and a glazed upper section with a hinged lid.
The instrument is secured within a brass bowl mounted on gimbals. The silvered dial displays Roman numerals, an outer minute ring, a subsidiary seconds dial, and an up-and-down winding indicator, all paired with gold spade hands painted in black. The movement is a gilt brass full plate construction with baluster pillars, 14 jewels, and a fusee with chain and maintaining power. It utilizes a spring detent escapement and a Guillaume anibal-brass balance with weights and adjusting nuts, regulated by a free-sprung helical balance spring.
The piece is signed on the dial, movement, and box.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1947
- Type
- Marine chronometer (duration not stated)
- Maker
- Ulysse Nardin
- Jewels
- 14
- Balance
- Guillaume anibal-brass balance
- Dimensions
- Bowl 113 mm, box 19 x 19 x 19 cm
- Escapement
- Spring detent
- Box material
- Mahogany
- Serial Number
- 5259
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Ulysse Nardin
Design
- Visible features
- • Silvered dial with Roman numerals • Up-and-down winding indicator positioned at 12 o'clock • Heavy brass corner inlay on the mahogany box • Brass gimbal system for the bowl
- Dial and Timekeeping Display
- The display is presented on a silvered dial, which features Roman numeral hour markers and a precise outer minute ring. Additionally, the dial includes an up-and-down scale, also known as a power reserve or winding indicator, which provides information regarding the state of the mainspring.
- Case and External Presentation
- The chronometer is enclosed in a mahogany box with dimensions of 19 by 19 by 19 centimeters. The construction features a three-body design with brass handles attached to the exterior for transport. To ensure the durability of the wooden structure, all edges are reinforced with heavy brass inlay. The top of the box includes a glazed section covered by a hinged lid, allowing for viewing of the dial without exposure to environmental elements. The brass bowl housing the movement is suspended within a gimballed system, which maintains the horizontal position of the chronometer on a moving vessel.
- Movement and Mechanical Details
- The movement is a gilt brass full plate mechanism. It utilizes baluster pillars secured by screws to maintain the structural integrity of the plates. The power train incorporates a fusee with a chain, which provides constant force, and a maintaining power mechanism to keep the device running during the winding process. Precision is achieved through a spring detent escapement and a two-arm Guillaume anibal-brass balance. The balance is equipped with cylindrical weights and two mean time adjusting nuts. Regulation is governed by a free-sprung, polished helical balance spring that features terminal curves. The object is signed on the dial, the movement, and the external box.
Identification
- Serial number
- 5259
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The condition of the hands is reported as poor
- Research required: The movement is noted to require an overhaul