Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Split-seconds chronograph pocket watch

Ulysse Nardin Chronometer Split-Seconds Chronograph

Partially verified

This Ulysse Nardin pocket watch, dating to circa 1955, is a keyless manual wind chronometer featuring a split-seconds chronograph function and an instantaneous 30-minute recorder. The timepiece is housed in a large 64 mm stainless steel case. The dial is enamel, featuring blue steel Breguet hands and painted Arabic numerals. It is powered by a rhodium-plated caliber 22''' movement, which includes 26 jewels, a fast-beating straight-line lever escapement, and a cut bimetallic compensation Guillaume balance with a blued steel Breguet balance spring. Mechanical adjustments are managed via a micrometer index regulator. The chronograph functions are operated using a button integrated into the winding crown and an additional push-piece located in the case band for the split-seconds mechanism. The movement, which displays fausses cotes decoration, is identified by the number 125077.

Front view of the Ulysse Nardin pocket watch showing the enamel dial, Breguet hands, and chronograph sub-dials.
Front view of the Ulysse Nardin pocket watch showing the enamel dial, Breguet hands, and chronograph sub-dials. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Split-seconds chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Ulysse Nardin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
29
Source-reported date
circa 1955
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
614306

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The timepiece is presented in a large, stainless steel case measuring 64 mm in diameter. The design is described as keyless and manual-winding, incorporating a push-piece within the case band to manage the split-seconds chronograph function, in addition to the primary control button located in the winding crown.

The dial is finished in enamel, contrasted by blue steel Breguet hands. Painted Arabic numerals serve as the primary markers for the hour track, and the dial features a sub-dial for the instantaneous 30-minute recorder. The signature 'Ulysses Nardin' and 'Locle Suisse' are applied to the dial surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “A fine and large stainless steel, manual wind keyless pocket lever Chronometer with split-seconds chronograph and instantaneous 30-minute recorder.”
  • “Enamel dial, blue steel Breguet hands.”
  • “button on the winding crown and push piece in the band for the split-seconds function.”

Movement and Escapement

The movement, numbered 125077, is a 22''' caliber with a rhodium-plated finish and fausses cotes decoration. The mechanical construction comprises 26 jewels and utilizes a fast-beating straight-line lever escapement. Regulation is performed through a micrometer index system.

Timekeeping is governed by a cut bimetallic compensation Guillaume balance paired with a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The movement contains the necessary split-seconds chronograph mechanism, which is activated via the case-integrated controls.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber 22''', rhodium plated, fausses cotes decoration, 26 jewels, fast beating straight line lever escapement”
  • “cut bimetallic compensation Guillaume balancebalance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, micrometer index regulator”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description provides a grade of AA for the watch. The case is evaluated as being in good condition with slight scratches, while the dial is rated as very good. The movement is reported as being in good condition with slight oxidation noted.

The watch is part of a stated production run of 402 pieces and is attributed to the Ulysse Nardin manufacture in Switzerland, with a dating of circa 1955.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good”
  • “Movement: 3-6* Good Slightly oxidized Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Year Circa 1955”

Open research questions

  • What specific technical challenges or records exist regarding the production of the 402-piece series mentioned in the source?
  • Can the movement serial number be used to narrow the production date further than the circa 1955 estimate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ulysse Nardin Chronometer Split-Seconds Chronograph
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerUlysse Nardin“ULYSSE NARDIN”
Movement Number125077“Movement No. 125077”
Case Number614306“Case No. 614306”
Diameter64 mm“Diameter 64 mm”
Movement Caliber22'''“Caliber 22'''”
Jewel Count26“26 jewels”
Production Series402 pieces“FROM A SERIES OF 402 PIECES”
MaterialStainless steel“STAINLESS STEEL”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with painted Arabic numerals
  • Blue steel hands
  • Button integrated into the winding crown
  • Exposed movement features fausses cotes finishing

Research qualifications

  • Overhaul recommended per auction description
  • Oxidation reported in movement

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ULYSSE NARDIN, SWITZERLAND, CHRONOMETER, SPLIT SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH, FROM A SERIES OF 402 PIECES, STAINLESS STEEL

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record d11daf8295

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other split-seconds chronograph pocket watch records