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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Keyless dress pocket watch

Ulysse Nardin Yellow Gold Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This keyless dress pocket watch, produced by Ulysse Nardin, Locle & Genève, dates to approximately 1925. The piece is constructed with an 18K yellow gold three-body case featuring a polished finish and a diameter of 43 mm. The dial is brushed yellow gold, equipped with applied yellow gold Paris numerals, outer dot minute divisions, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position. The time is indicated by yellow gold cathedrale hands. Internally, the watch houses a 16 1/2''' rhodium-plated movement with 17 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensation balance, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring with an index regulator. The dial, case, and movement are signed by the manufacturer. The watch is accompanied by its original Ulysse Nardin box and certificate. The auction description reports the movement requires an overhaul.

Front view of the Ulysse Nardin gold pocket watch resting on its original certificate.
Front view of the Ulysse Nardin gold pocket watch resting on its original certificate. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Keyless dress pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Ulysse Nardin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
544
Source-reported date
circa 1925
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
372188

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 watch is housed in an 18K yellow gold, three-body, solid case that has been finished with a polished surface. Measuring 43 mm in diameter, the case design maintains a classic dress watch profile. The crown and bow are integrated into the top of the case, consistent with the keyless winding mechanism.

The dial is brushed yellow gold, providing a monochromatic aesthetic in conjunction with the yellow gold case. It features applied yellow gold Paris numerals at each hour marker, complemented by an outer ring of dot minute divisions. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the bottom of the face, and the hour and minute indicators are yellow gold cathedrale-style hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, solid, polished.”
  • “Brushed yellow gold with applied yellow gold Paris numerals, outer dot minute divisions, subsidiary seconds. Yellow gold cathedrale hands.”

Movement and Escapement

The timepiece is powered by a 16 1/2 ligne movement, which is rhodium-plated and contains 17 jewels.

To maintain timekeeping accuracy, the movement incorporates a cut bimetallic compensation balance designed to mitigate the effects of temperature changes. The hairspring is a blued steel Breguet balance spring, and the movement is regulated via an index regulator.

Evidence for this section
  • “16 1/2???, rhodium plated, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, index regulator.”

Condition and Attributions

The auction description provides a grade of AA for the item, characterizing it as very good.

It is sold with the original box and a certificate, which serve to support its provenance.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good Case: 3-19 Good Dent(s)”
  • “Accompanied by the original Ulysse Nardin box and Certificate.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific composition of the original certificate included with this lot?
  • Are there archival records at the Ulysse Nardin museum that confirm the production timeline for this specific movement serial number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ulysse Nardin Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerUlysse Nardin“Ulysse Nardin, Locle & Genève”
Case Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold keyless dress pocket watch”
Movement serial152140“movement No. 152140”
Case serial372188“case No. 372188”
Datecirca 1925“Made circa 1925”
Movement type16 1/2''' rhodium plated, 17 jewels“16 1/2???, rhodium plated, 17 jewels”
ConditionOverhaul recommended“Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Visible details

  • Applied yellow gold Paris numerals on the dial
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock
  • Cathedrale-style yellow gold hands
  • Polished yellow gold bow and crown assembly

Research qualifications

  • Movement overhaul required as reported by the auction house
  • Exact manufacturing location within Switzerland not specified beyond the city association

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

Consulted source

ULYSSE NARDIN ' MONOCHROME YELLOW GOLD Ulysse Nardin, Locle & Genève, movement No. 152140, case No. 372188. Made circa 1925. Fine and elegant, 18K yellow gold keyless dress pocket watch. Accompanied by the original Ulysse Nardin box and Certificate.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record b791430ed4

Terms in this record

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