Pocket watch · Split-seconds deck chronometer

Ulysse Nardin Split Seconds Deck Chronometer

Partially verified

This Ulysse Nardin deck chronometer, identified by movement number 17747 and case number 381823, dates to approximately 1940. It is a keyless, split-seconds chronograph housed in a "Staybrite" steel case measuring 64 mm in diameter. The watch features a white dial with Arabic numerals, a 15-minute register, and a central split-seconds mechanism capable of recording 1/10th of a second. The movement is a 22 ligne caliber, rhodium-plated with "fausses côtes" decoration and 28 jewels. It utilizes a fast-beating straight-line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensation balance, a Breguet balance spring, and a swan-neck micrometer regulator. The escape wheel arbor includes a cam for breaking electrical contacts. The chronometer is provided with its original three-tier mahogany deck box, which is fitted with corresponding electrical contacts for external time-recording utility.

Ulysse Nardin split-seconds deck chronometer (movement no. 17747) with its mahogany deck box, circa 1940. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category: Pocket watch · Split-seconds deck chronometer
Maker / attribution: Ulysse Nardin
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 136
Source-reported date: Circa 1940
Source-reported place: Switzerland
Source-reported serial: 17747

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 Construction

The deck chronometer is housed in a 64 mm case manufactured from "Staybrite" steel. The design is keyless, featuring a crown for winding and time setting. An integrated bolt is located on the case side, which serves as a lever to activate electrical contacts via a cam mechanism on the escape wheel arbor.

The dial is configured for high-precision timing, featuring Arabic numerals and a split-seconds hand. It includes a 15-minute register and is calibrated to record intervals of 1/10th of a second. The chronograph is geared to allow the chronograph hand to complete a full revolution in 30 seconds rather than the conventional 60 seconds.

Evidence for this section

“«Staybrite», keyless circuit-breaker lever chronometer deck watch”
“The present watch is calibrated so that 30 seconds are recorded in one revolution of the chronograph hand”
“specially made to time events to a precision of 1/10 second”

Movement and Escapement

Powering the watch is a 22 ligne, rhodium-plated movement featuring 28 jewels. The movement finish includes "fausses côtes" decoration. Technical components include a fast-beating straight-line lever escapement and a swan-neck micrometer regulator for fine timing adjustments.

The balance assembly consists of a cut bimetallic compensation balance paired with a Breguet balance spring. The movement is uniquely adapted with a cam on the escape wheel arbor, allowing for the breaking of electrical contacts every fifth of a second.

Evidence for this section

“Caliber 22’’’, rhodium-plated, “fausses côtes” decoration, 28 jewels”
“fast-beating straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, Breguet balance spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator”
“the escape wheel arbor is fitted with a cam allowing for breaking electrical contacts every fifth of a second”

Accompaniments and Condition

The watch is accompanied by an original three-tier mahogany deck box. This housing is integrated with electrical contacts to interface with the watch's contact-breaking mechanism, enabling it to function as a circuit-breaker instrument for scientific timing.

The auction description reports the watch is in good condition, with the movement and dial assigned grades of 3 and 2-01 respectively. The case is described as slightly scratched. The signature is present on the dial, case, and movement.

Evidence for this section

“Original mahogany three-tier deck box with electrical contacts”
“Case: 3-8 Good Slightly scratched Movement: 3 Good Dial: 2-01 Very good”
“Signature Dial, Case and Movement”

Open research questions

What specific scientific or maritime applications were intended for the electrical contact-breaking feature?
Does the serial number correspond to any known historical chronometer registries?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ulysse Nardin Split Seconds Deck Chronometer
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Ulysse Nardin	“Brand Ulysse Nardin”
Movement Number	17747	“Movement No. 17747”
Case Number	381823	“Case No. 381823”
Caliber	22 ligne	“Caliber 22’’’”
Case Material	Staybrite steel	“«Staybrite»”
Jewel Count	28	“28 jewels”
Case Diameter	64 mm	“Dimensions 64 mm”

Visible details

Large 64 mm diameter case constructed from Staybrite steel.
Mahogany three-tier deck box features a metal plate engraved with the brand name.
White dial displays a 15-minute register at 12 o'clock and a continuous seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock.
Integrated electrical contact bolt on the case edge.

Research qualifications

Functionality of the electrical contact circuit within the deck box is not verified.
Historical provenance beyond the object's manufacture is not provided.

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

Consulted source

ULYSSE NARDIN SPLIT SECONDS DECK CHRONOMETER

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record bd20c1a5ab

Terms in this record

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