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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case minute repeating pocket watch

Ulysse Nardin Hunter Case Minute Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18k yellow gold pocket watch by Ulysse Nardin measures 54 mm in diameter and features a hunter case configuration. Dating to circa 1889 according to Christie's, it is equipped with a white enamel dial bearing black Roman numeral hour indices, a subsidiary seconds dial, and the inscription 'Ulysse Nardin Locle'. The timepiece incorporates a manually wound movement fitted with screwed gold chatons and a minute repeating complication chiming on two hammers to a gong, operated via a slide in the case band.

Front view of the open hunter case yellow gold pocket watch showing the enamel dial and subsidiary seconds.
Front view of the open hunter case yellow gold pocket watch showing the enamel dial and subsidiary seconds. — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Ulysse Nardin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
65
Source-reported date
circa 1889
Country
Switzerland

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 Construction and Exterior Ornamentation

The pocket watch is cased in 18k yellow gold measuring 54 mm in diameter. Based on direct observation of the lot image, the front hunter cover hinges open to the left, showing polished yellow gold interior surfaces, with the winding crown, grooved bow, and repeating slide positioned along the case band.

According to Christie's lot essay and condition report, the exterior case features intricate monograms, with three sets of intertwined initials on the hinged front and three sets of initials on the case back. These exterior engravings are not visible in the provided image of the open watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “CASE MATERIAL: 18k Yellow Gold”
  • “DIAMETER: 54mm”
  • “The hinged front shows three sets of initials intertwined with one another and expertly placed to echo the circular case.”
  • “The monogram to the case back reads three sets of initials.”

Dial Presentation and Signatures

The dial is catalogued as enamel. Directly visible in the open view is a white dial featuring black Roman numerals, spade-style hands, and an inset subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.

Christie's states that the case, dial, and movement are signed Ulysse Nardin. However, the movement and its signature cannot be verified from the single provided photograph of the dial side.

Evidence for this section
  • “DIAL: Enamel”
  • “The case, dial, and movement are signed Ulysse Nardin.”

Movement and Complication Reports

The movement is catalogued by the auctioneer as a manual wind caliber fitted with screwed gold chatons and assigned a circa date of 1889. The complication is listed as a minute repeater chiming on two hammers to a gong, activated by a slide in the case band.

Because no movement photography or cuvette interior view is provided in the record, the internal caliber architecture, finishing, jeweling, and chiming components remain unverified beyond the auction house description.

Evidence for this section
  • “CIRCA: 1889”
  • “MOVEMENT: Manual with Screwed Gold Chatons”
  • “FUNCTIONS: Minute Repeating”
  • “First it features a complicated movement: a minute repeater that repeats on two hammers to a gong.”
  • “The repeater is activated through a slide in the band.”

Open research questions

  • What specific letters constitute the three sets of initials monogrammed on the front cover and case back?
  • What movement serial number, caliber designation, or cuvette hallmarks are present to support the circa 1889 dating?
  • What is the exact dial signature text and font layout present on the enamel dial?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ulysse Nardin Hunter Case Minute Repeating Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18k Yellow Gold“CASE MATERIAL: 18k Yellow Gold”
Diameter54mm“DIAMETER: 54mm”
Dial MaterialEnamel“DIAL: Enamel”
Movement TypeManual with Screwed Gold Chatons“MOVEMENT: Manual with Screwed Gold Chatons”
FunctionsMinute Repeating“FUNCTIONS: Minute Repeating”
Circa Date1889“CIRCA: 1889”
Case SignaturesSigned Ulysse Nardin on case, dial, and movement per source description“The case, dial, and movement are signed Ulysse Nardin.”
Repeating Mechanism ConfigurationRepeats on two hammers to a gong via a slide in the band“First it features a complicated movement: a minute repeater that repeats on two hammers to a gong.”
Case MonogramsThree sets of intertwined initials on the hinged front and three sets on the case back“The hinged front shows three sets of initials intertwined with one another and expertly placed to echo the circular case.”

Visible details

  • Front hunter cover is opened to the left, showing polished yellow gold interior surfaces.
  • White dial features black Roman numerals, spade-style hands, and an inset subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.
  • Winding crown, grooved bow, and repeating slide are positioned along the yellow gold case band.

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement, repeating hammers, and movement signatures are not visible in the provided image.
  • The monogram described on the outer case covers is not visible with the watch front cover opened.

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

Consulted source

ULYSSE NARDIN HUNTER CASE MINUTE REPEATING, POCKET WATCH, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record eb165bfe06

Terms in this record

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