Ulysse Nardin Chrono

Sometimes we find a watch that is so rare, it’s hard to say much more about it than “nice fucking watch." This 1960s Ulysse Nardin chronograph is one of those cases.

Ulysse Nardin was named after its founder and opened its doors in 1846 in Le Locle, Switzerland and has been in nearly continual operation under different ownerships since it was minted. Best known to vintage collectors for their supremely accurate marine chronometers produced in the 19th Century, today, Ulysse Nardin produces collections ranging from uncomplicated sports watches to ultra-complicated haute horology.

This particular piece is a rare and unusual model unlike any other we've encountered, in all the greatest of ways!  Sized at an infinitely-wearable 37mm, the watch features a crisp steel case with fixed lugs and signed snap-back case. Inside sits a Valjoux 22 column-wheel chronograph movement configured for a triple-register layout.  On the front side, the dial is finished in a satin silver with "telephone" style 30-Minute Register at 3, 12 Hour Counter at 6, and Subsidiary Seconds at 9.  Lightly tarnished blued steel hands complement the silver beautifully, and an outer tachymetre scale sits just outside the printed 60-Minute Chapter Ring.  Most interestingly, the hour markers are Roman style, a bizarre style choice on a steel sports watch, but one that has been echoed on many of their contemporary offerings.

In excellent condition throughout, this beautiful watch is something we may never see again - so if you're into classic sports chronographs but are looking for something a little outside the box, you've found your watch!