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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Manual wind keyless open face pocket watch

Ulysses Nardin Open Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open face manual-wind pocket watch is attributed to Ulysse Nardin, Switzerland, and dates to approximately 1920. Housed in an 18k yellow gold case measuring 52 mm in diameter, the watch features a white enamel dial with gold spade hands and a secondary dial. The movement is an 18''' caliber, nickel-plated with fausses côtes decoration, and contains 23 jewels. It is equipped with a straight-line calibrated lever escapement, a Guillaume balance featuring gold adjustment screws, an index regulator with a swan-neck spring and micrometric screw, and a steel Breguet balance spring. The watch is designated as a chronometer and has a total weight of 107 grams. The movement bears the number 20853, while the case is numbered 330744. The condition is reported as generally good, with minor scratches on the case and dial and light oxidation on the movement.

Front view of the Ulysse Nardin 18k yellow gold open face pocket watch.
Front view of the Ulysse Nardin 18k yellow gold open face pocket watch. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Manual wind keyless open face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Ulysses Nardin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
169
Source-reported date
Circa 1920
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
330744

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 presented in an open-face configuration encased in 18k yellow gold. The overall diameter of the piece measures 52 mm. The watch face is composed of white enamel, featuring gold spade-style hands and a dedicated subsidiary seconds dial.

The auction description reports that the case is in good condition, though it displays minor surface scratches. Similar minor scratching is noted on the enamel dial. The total weight of the timepiece is recorded as 107 grams.

Evidence for this section
  • “18k yellow gold, manual wind keyless open face pocket watch”
  • “white enamel dial and gold spade hands”
  • “Diameter 52 mm. Weight 107g”
  • “Case: 3-8 Good Slightly scratched”
  • “Dial: 3-8-01 Good Slightly scratched”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is an 18''' caliber nickel-plated mechanism finished with fausses côtes decoration. It utilizes a straight-line calibrated lever escapement and incorporates 23 jewels. For precision, the caliber is fitted with a Guillaume balance featuring gold adjustment screws and a steel Breguet balance spring.

Regulation is managed by an index regulator equipped with a swan-neck spring and a micrometric screw. The movement carries the individual serial number 20853.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber 18''', nickel plated, fausses côtes decoration, 23 jewels”
  • “straight line calibrated lever escapement, Guillaume balance with gold adjustment screws”
  • “index regulator with swan-neck spring and micrometric screw, steel Breguet balance spring”
  • “Movement: 3-6* Good Slightly oxidized Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Signatures and Attribution

The watch is identified by the manufacturer Ulysse Nardin, based in Switzerland. The firm's signature is located on both the movement and the watch case. The piece is classified as a chronometer.

Attribution and dating to circa 1920 are provided by the auction documentation, which also confirms the internal serial numbers for both the case and the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “ULYSSE NARDIN, SWITZERLAND”
  • “Signature Case and movement”
  • “Year Circa 1920”
  • “Model chronometer”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production record for movement number 20853 within Ulysse Nardin archives?
  • What are the specific performance parameters expected of this chronometer movement at the time of its manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ulysses Nardin Open Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerUlysses Nardin“ULYSSE NARDIN”
Case Material18k yellow gold“18k yellow gold”
Movement Serial20853“Movement No. 20853”
Case Serial330744“Case No. 330744”
Caliber18'''“Caliber 18'''”
Jewels23“23 jewels”
BalanceGuillaume balance“Guillaume balance”
Weight107g“Weight 107g”
Diameter52 mm“Diameter 52 mm”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with secondary seconds dial
  • Gold spade-style hands
  • Nickel-plated movement with fausses côtes decoration
  • Swan-neck regulator with micrometric screw

Research qualifications

  • Condition report notes the movement is slightly oxidized and requires an overhaul
  • Auction house does not guarantee the current functioning or precision of the movement

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

Consulted source

ULYSSE NARDIN, SWITZERLAND, CHRONOMETER, GUILLAUME BALANCE, 18K YELLOW GOLD

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 652c585007

Terms in this record

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