Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer 1846 150th Anniversary in Platinum model 269-20

[Russell996]

After 10 years of thinking and 2 years of actual searching finally recently got hold of one of my grail pieces.
Couple of years back spotted a thread that mentioned a very special run of only 3 pieces produced in Platinum of the 150th anniversary Marine Chronometer - already one of my favourite pieces that I had somehow never added to the collection.

In 1996 Ulysse Nardin produced two commemorative pieces for their 150th anniversary.

The first being the Perpetual Ludwig - 150 copies each in yellow gold (331-22), rose gold (336-22) and platinum (339-20). I already have the platinum piece and it is a beauty.
The second being the Marine Chronometer 1846 - 250 copies each in yellow gold (261-22), rose gold (266-22) and white gold (260-22). All featuring a Grand Feu enamel dial.
Additionally it transpires UN produced a very limited run of 3 pieces of the Marine Chronometer 1846 in platinum (269-20).

Well after 2 years of searching I have managed to acquire number 2 of the 3 pieces produced in platinum and have made contact with the owners of numbers 1 and 3 - pretty cool for a piece over 20 years old! There is a little mystery as to whether all 3 pieces were actually sold in 1996, number 1 was definitely sold in the U.K. in 1996, number 3 was first sold (I believe) in 2006 in the US and number 2 (my piece) looks likely to of also first been sold in 2006 in the U.K. - can't verify this but some supporting documents seem to suggest this.

The piece is in mint condition and came fully loaded.
There is an original style wooden Chronometer box (very retro and lovely) and a more modern large blue wooden box with sliding draw. Couple of badges for Marine collection and a plaque about the Marine Chronometer 1846 limited edition also in the box. There is also lovely little UN leather travel box.
The piece came with platinum tang buckle and additionally a white gold clasp - don't believe UN made platinum clasps at this time? There is also an unused black rubber strap still in plastic - similar to the one I have in blue for my Marine Perpetual - I'm not sure this rubber strap is contemporary to 1996?
Limited edition card - 2 of 3.
Warranty card for 1996 (no dealer stamp) and COSC certificate.
Additionally there is a UN brochure from 1996 featuring the standard 150th commemorative pieces and mentioning optional clasps.
Couple of copies of advertising leaflet for the Marine Chronometer- interestingly the older copy says the run length for the RG, YG and WG versions is 300 each making a total of 900 pieces - by the time the second revised version was produced this had changed to 250 copies of each model - total 750 pieces.
Lastly, there is a copy of the book 'Making of a Masterpiece' from 2006 with a dedication from Rolf to the owner - a very nice touch. Something to treasure with the piece.

One thing to note compared to the WG, YG and RG versions is the Matt finish to the case back - standard is a polished finish.




























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[themast]

Congratulations on this special piece. I like the "German" dial design. It is so cool that you know the other 3 owners!!

Question, in one photo of the booklet that you posted it says 900 and in the other 750. I am confused.

[joli160]

A beautiful watch, something to cherish. Thanks for sharing.

[ELITEVIDEOGAMES]

Very nice and congratulations on tracking it down. I love UN and think they make great timepieces. I wore my Dual Time Manufacture recently while on holiday in the UK and enjoyed every moment of it on the wrist.

Wrist Shot?

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by themast

Congratulations on this special piece. I like the "German" dial design. It is so cool that you know the other 2 owners!!

Question, in one photo of the booklet that you posted it says 900 and in the other 750. I am confused.

Thank you.
I'm pretty sure the version with 900 was an early pre-production promotional booklet - they decided to reduce the run to 750 for the actual production run.

[Tools]

Good Looking watch..

I have a couple of Ulysse Nardin and I think they make a great watch.

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by ELITEVIDEOGAMES

Very nice and congratulations on tracking it down. I love UN and think they make great timepieces. I wore my Dual Time Manufacture recently while on holiday in the UK and enjoyed every moment of it on the wrist.

Wrist Shot?

Couple of wrist shots and the inspiration behind the piece.










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[incontrol]

That is a beautiful time piece! Congrats on finding such a rare and stunning piece.


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[ELITEVIDEOGAMES]

Gorgeous , I love the red Year on it. Clean and beautiful dial. Looks great on you.

[themast]

Pardon my ignorance, on the inspirational piece what does the 5187 stand for?

[nick c]

Great looking ulysse nardin congratulations

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by themast

Pardon my ignorance, on the inspirational piece what does the 5187 stand for?

It is a ships Chronometer, Ulysse Nardin are/were the preeminent maker of ships Chronometers through the 19th and 20th centuries. When Neuchâtel Observatory released its last official publication regarding chronometer performance from 1846 to 1975. According to this report Ulysse Nardin obtained 4324 certificates of performance for mechanical marine chronometers out of a total of 4504 awarded (95%).

The red number on the ships Chronometer is simply it's individual number for use when continually testing and recording it's accuracy - the accuracy was vital for navigation. The 1846 on the wristwatch is an homage to this and shows the date Ulysse Nardin was founded.

Ulysse Nardin has quite a history. (Worth scrolling down through the pages)
https://www.ulysse-nardin.com/history

[regnant]

Congratulations, nice watch

[themast]

Originally Posted by Russell996

It is a ships Chronometer, Ulysse Nardin are/were the preeminent maker of ships Chronometers through the 19th and 20th centuries. When Neuchâtel Observatory released its last official publication regarding chronometer performance from 1846 to 1975. According to this report Ulysse Nardin obtained 4324 certificates of performance for mechanical marine chronometers out of a total of 4504 awarded (95%).

The red number on the ships Chronometer is simply it's individual number for use when continually testing and recording it's accuracy - the accuracy was vital for navigation. The 1846 on the wristwatch is an homage to this and shows the date Ulysse Nardin was founded.

Ulysse Nardin has quite a history. (Worth scrolling down through the pages)
https://www.ulysse-nardin.com/history

Got it, thanks!

[AK797]

Congrats, always been a fan of UN since owning a Blue Surf before.

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by AK797

Congrats, always been a fan of UN since owning a Blue Surf before.

Many thanks. They do and have made some astonishing pieces. Many of their achievements have flown under the radar.

[ELITEVIDEOGAMES]

Originally Posted by Russell996

Many thanks. They do and have made some astonishing pieces. Many of their achievements have flown under the radar.

They definitely don't get the credit they deserve. Way more innovative than other brands.. IWC..Breitling..ect.. In my opinion of course.

[ELITEVIDEOGAMES]

That said they have also made some butt ugly timepieces over the years too.

[liu_watch]

This is a beautiful UN. I bet the hunting experience is as thrilling as owning the timepiece. Care to share more about your experiences, e.g., how you found out who the owners were, what sources you used? Who knows, I might be lucky and acquire one of the other two remaining!


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[Russell996]

Originally Posted by ELITEVIDEOGAMES

That said they have also made some butt ugly timepieces over the years too.

Well of course beauty is in the eye of thé beholder- I was thinking more about their horological achievements.

[psv]

That is a stunner - big congrats!

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by liu_watch

This is a beautiful UN. I bet the hunting experience is as thrilling as owning the timepiece. Care to share more about your experiences, e.g., how you found out who the owners were, what sources you used? Who knows, I might be lucky and acquire one of the other two remaining!


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Well of course the hunt is always part of the fun. No real secret, source the brand forums with like minded enthusiasts and search and read as much as possible. For a piece 20+ years old I found only 5 or 6 posts - learn as much as possible and keep your eyes on the auctions and chrono24 with a fresh search every couple of months.

[sea-dweller]

It's gorgeous!

[Birkie]

love UN watches! Congratulations..

[Psmith]

Congrats

[lp2001]

A collector's item for sure. What a rare find! Congrats!

[vman]

Congrats! Always like this line!

[Russell996]

Now on rubber strap for the summer.






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[Justice12]

Great looking watch.

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by Justice12

Great looking watch.

Thank you.
21 years old and still a stunner.