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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Marine chronometer

Ulysse Nardin Electric Marine Chronometer

Partially verified

This Ulysse Nardin marine chronometer, identified by movement number 010497, was manufactured in the 1970s. Housed in a three-tier mahogany case, the instrument features brass-bound corners and folding handles for transport. The movement is powered by an electric remontoire system and incorporates 21 jewels. Its escapement is of the straight-line lever type, fitted with a monometallic balance and a self-compensating flat balance spring. The unit also includes a shock absorber and a micrometer regulator, and is protected by a Perspex cover. Time is displayed on a white painted dial featuring Roman numerals and an outer minute track, with blued steel spade hands indicating the hours, minutes, and center seconds. The chronometer is mounted within a gimballed brass bowl featuring a machined-edge bezel, while the middle section of the case bears an engraved brass signature plaque. The dial, case, and movement are all signed by the maker.

The Ulysse Nardin Electric Marine Chronometer displayed inside its open three-tier mahogany box.
The Ulysse Nardin Electric Marine Chronometer displayed inside its open three-tier mahogany box. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Marine chronometer · Marine chronometer
Maker / attribution
Ulysse Nardin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
505
Source-reported date
1970s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
010497

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 Exterior

The object is presented in a three-tier mahogany box. The construction incorporates brass-bound corners, which serve as structural reinforcement and aesthetic detail. To facilitate handling or secure mounting, the case is equipped with folding handles. The middle section of this mahogany structure features an inset brass plaque, which acts as the primary signature plate for the instrument.

The internal display utilizes a gimballed brass bowl. This bowl is designed to maintain a level position regardless of the orientation of the mahogany box, a configuration for marine-based timekeeping. The bowl is finished with a machined-edge bezel, providing a grip for opening or adjustment. A clear Perspex cover is provided to protect the dial and hands from the environment.

Evidence for this section
  • “Mahogany, three-tier, brass-bound corners and folding handles”
  • “middle section with brass signature plaque”
  • “gimballed brass bowl with machined-edge bezel”
  • “Perspex cover”

Dial and Timekeeping

The time is displayed via a white painted dial. It is indexed with radial Roman numerals for the hour markers and includes an outer track for the minutes. The time is indicated by a set of blued steel spade hands, which contrast against the white ground of the dial. The presence of a center-seconds hand allows for the tracking of smaller time increments.

The movement driving these hands is an electric remontoire system. It operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour and is powered by a battery. The system includes 21 jewels to reduce friction. Regulation is achieved through a micrometer regulator, and the balance assembly features a monometallic balance paired with a self-compensating flat balance spring. A shock absorber is fitted to protect the movement components.

Evidence for this section
  • “White painted with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track.”
  • “Blued steel spade hands.”
  • “battery powered remontoire, straight-line lever escapement”
  • “shock absorber, micrometer regulator”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description assigns the manufacture to Le Locle, Switzerland. The watch, case, and movement are confirmed as signed by Ulysse Nardin.

The report on the condition suggests that the case and movement are in good condition, classified as '3' and '3*' respectively. The dial is described as very good.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ulysse Nardin, Le Locle, Suisse”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”
  • “Grading System Grade: A Good Case: 3 Good Movement: 3* Good”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer of the battery-powered remontoire circuit used in this series?
  • How does the performance of this electric marine chronometer compare to mechanical-only versions produced by the firm?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ulysse Nardin Electric Marine Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerUlysse Nardin“Ulysse Nardin, Le Locle, Suisse”
Movement Number010497“movement No. 010497”
Date1970s“Made in the 1970s.”
CaseThree-tier mahogany with brass-bound corners“Mahogany, three-tier, brass-bound corners and folding handles”
Dial DetailsWhite painted with Roman numerals“White painted with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track.”
Movement Features21 jewels and electric remontoire“21 jewels, 21,600 AH, battery powered remontoire”
EscapementStraight-line lever“straight-line lever escapement”
Dimensions15 cm square“DIAM. 15 cm. square.”

Visible details

  • Three-tier mahogany box construction
  • Gimballed brass mounting system
  • Blued steel spade hands
  • Brass signature plaque on the middle section of the case

Research qualifications

  • The auction description recommends a mechanical overhaul
  • The operational status of the electric remontoire is not verified

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

Consulted source

ULYSSE NARDIN 'ELECTRIC MARINE CHRONOMETER' Ulysse Nardin, Le Locle, Suisse, movement No. 010497. Made in the 1970s. Fine, mahogany brass-bound marine lever chronometer with center-seconds and electric remontoire. To be sold without reserve

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 696dbc0d0f

Terms in this record

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

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