Mens 1910s WWI Ulysse Nardin Military OFFICERS Hinged Case Trench Watch
Item History & Price
Founded in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1846, the Ulysse Nardin Chronometer Co. has made a name for itself in the realm of precision time measurement with outstanding chronometers and observation watches. Ulysse Nardin's artistic, handcrafted finish and his pursuit of precision earned him distinction at world exhibitions. At the 1862 London exhibition he was awarded the Prize Medal and, in 1893, the firm was given the honor of representing Switzerland at the Chicago world exhibition.... One of their first large-scale customers was the Russian war ministry in St. Petersburg, and from 1906 the American Naval Observatory also numbered among Ulysse Nardin's clients. The factory has been awarded over 4, 300 observatory distinctions for these high-precision timepieces alone. I am pleased to offer for sale the following antique men’s timepiece from the firm, a stunning WWI military officers timepiece that dates to the late 1910s. This solid nickel (or nickel silver) wire lug watch is in excellent ORIGINAL condition, featuring four-piece, double-hinged case and flawless porcelain enamel dial. It measures 39mm lug tip to lug tip and 34.5mm in width (37.1mm with original Onion-style crown). This works out to be just over 1-1/2 inches long by just shy of 1-3/8 inches wide, not including the winding crown. It has been fully serviced by my watchmaker to ensure its original 15 jewel mechanism is running smoothly and keeping accurate time. The 100% original white porcelain enamel dial is in excellent condition with absolutely no flaws, even with bezel removed. Please note that the original radium that was on the numbers and hands has been replaced with safe, non-toxic acrylic paint that mimics an aged radium dial. It features a 60 minute checkered outer track border, bold numbers (including a RED outlined 12), original blue steel skeleton hands with fill and recessed sub-seconds dial with ‘sweep’ blue steel seconds hand. Signed U. NARDIN LOCLE & GENEVE below the 12. The hardened acrylic crystal is perfect, a later addition. The four-piece case is either solid nickel or a nickel silver mix (much like the American Silverode or Silveroid cases). It is in excellent shape with solid wire lugs that accommodate a 12mm wide strap. This makes it perfect for the Kitchener-style strap it’s on, providing more presence on the wrist. The original silver colored Onion-style winding crown and is in excellent condition as well, operating smoothly. The hinged case back is excellent, absolutely no wear or engravings. Lifting this lid reveals a second hinged dust cover lid, a very nice feature. Lifting this reveals the original and spotless Ulysee Nardin gold finished mechanism, a 15-jewel model with serial number 49, 698. The inner case backs (both) are stamped with case serial number 324, 874. This watch has been fully serviced to ensure it winds and sets smoothly, keeping accurate time. It is fitted on a faithful reproduction of a WWI era “Kitchener” style black leather strap, complete with matching silver steel fittings. Folks, if I didn’t have a near identical Nardin trench watch I would not be selling this one. Don’t hesitate to bid! Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on a piece of paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, men’s vintage watches are noticeably smaller than oversized timepieces you see today. Prefer a brown strap instead of black? For most men’s watches I can switch the color before mailing; just let me know. U.S. winners pay $12.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS shipping with door-to-door tracking. Washington State residents are required to pay sales tax. Residents of states where eBay collects sales tax are also required to pay this.Canadian winners pay $44.00 (actual cost) for Global Priority Express with insurance. Other international buyers pay $64.00 (actual or below cost) for Global Priority Express Mail with door-to-door tracking. I cover any additional insurance fees and always pay MORE for shipping than what I charge.International buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are your responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to confirm any additional costs prior to bidding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment, but your local custom authorities can cause delays.Payment is due within three days of auction end, unless you have contacted me prior to auction end to arrange otherwise. In accordance with eBay policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.All of my watches are under warranty. In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, return the wristwatch to me (or mail it to my watchmaker, David, in New York City) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. Note: I will not pay for or offer a partial refund for work done by another watchmaker. I am a proud member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC). If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches. Need accessories for your watch? Our sister store, Holben's Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of sport, military and dress straps, buckles, deployment clasps and other wristwatch accessories from European and American manufacturers.
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