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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch

Ulysse Nardin Chronometre Chronograph Wristwatch

Partially verified

This gentleman's wristwatch is a chronograph produced by Ulysse Nardin in September 1938. The watch features an 18K pink gold case measuring 33 mm in diameter, characterized by polished, rectangular stepped mobile central lugs and olive-shaped chronograph pushers. The mat silver dial is adorned with painted Arabic numerals and includes two auxiliary registers for subsidiary seconds and 30-minute recording. Peripheral scales include an outer pulsometer graduation calibrated for 30 pulsations and a concentric tachometric scale. The watch is powered by a 13-ligne rhodium-plated movement with 17 jewels, a lever escapement, a monometallic balance, and a self-compensating Breguet balance-spring. The hands are blued steel in a baton style. The case, movement, and dial are signed by Ulysse Nardin, Locle, Suisse. The auction description reports the object is in very good condition.

Ulysse Nardin chronograph wristwatch in 18K pink gold featuring mobile lugs and a pulsometer scale.
Ulysse Nardin chronograph wristwatch in 18K pink gold featuring mobile lugs and a pulsometer scale. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Ulysse Nardin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
130
Source-reported date
September 1938
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
399698

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 Design

The watch is housed in an 18K pink gold case measuring 33 mm. A prominent feature is the design of the lugs, which are described as rectangular, stepped, and mobile. The case also incorporates olive-shaped buttons for the chronograph operation.

The mat silver dial is configured with painted Arabic numerals. Timekeeping and timing data are managed through two auxiliary dials, positioned for subsidiary seconds and a 30-minute register. The perimeter of the dial includes complex graduation, specifically a pulsometer scale calibrated for 30 pulsations and a concentric tachometric scale. The display is completed with blued steel baton hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “massive, polished, rectangular stepped mobile central lugs”
  • “olive shaped button chronograph register”
  • “mat silver with painted Arabic numerals + auxiliary seconds and 30 minutes register dials”
  • “outer pulsometer graduation for 30 pulsations, concentric, the tachometric scale”

Movement and Mechanics

The internal mechanism is a 13-ligne movement with a rhodium finish. It is constructed with 17 jewels and employs a lever escapement. The regulator assembly consists of a monometallic balance combined with a self-compensating Breguet balance-spring,

The configuration of the movement provides the power and timing functionality required for the integrated chronograph register.

Evidence for this section
  • “13"' rhodiumed, 17 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Provenance and Condition

The object is recorded as being manufactured in September 1938 by Ulysse Nardin in Locle, Switzerland. It is identified by case number 399698 and reference number 28408.

Regarding the current physical state of the object, the auction description reports that the watch is in very good condition. This assessment covers the overall presentation and functional appearance of the watch as catalogued.

Evidence for this section
  • “September 1938”
  • “Ulysse Nardin, Locle, Suisse”
  • “No. 28408, case No. 399698”
  • “In very good condition.”

Open research questions

  • What specific model name, if any, is associated with the 28408 reference beyond the listed 'Chronometre'?
  • Are there production records confirming the original distribution or retailer for the 1938 manufacturing batch?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ulysse Nardin Chronometre Chronograph Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case material18K pink gold“18K pink gold”
Movement jewel count17“17 jewels”
Case typeMassive, polished, rectangular stepped mobile central lugs“massive, polished, rectangular stepped mobile central lugs”
Dial scalesPulsometer and tachometric“outer pulsometer graduation for 30 pulsations, concentric, the tachometric scale”
SignatureSigned on dial, case and movement“Dial, case and movement signed.”

Visible details

  • Case features stepped mobile lugs
  • Dial includes pulsometer and tachometric scales
  • Chronograph pushers are olive-shaped
  • Blued steel baton hands

Research qualifications

  • Condition is based solely on auction house reporting
  • No detailed service history provided

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

Consulted source

Ulysse Nardin, Locle, Suisse, Chronorntre, No. 28408, case No. 399698, September 1938. Very fine and rare 18K pink gold gentleman's wristwatch with olive shaped button chronograph register, pulsometer and tachometer.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 924b11907c

Terms in this record

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

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