Founded in 1846 in Le Locle, Switzerland, Ulysse Nardin is a widely acclaimed Swiss watch manufacturer that earned recognition for its precision chronometers during the early twentieth century. Nardin himself was a trained watchmaker under the guidance of his father, Leonard-Frederic Nardin, as well as master watchmakers Frederic William Dubois and Louis Jean Richard-dit-Bressel. Today, collectors seek this brand's oversized vintage chronograph wristwatches, including the reference 7536-2, as well as the brands modern, innovative designs, including the Marine, the Diver, the Classic, the Executive, the Freak, and the Jade wristwatches.

The present chronograph pocket watch is a wonderful example of Ulysse Nardin’s long history with innovative technical handcrafted movements. Long before the wristwatch, the pocket watch was both a timekeeper and tool watch used for precision timing in sports and the sciences. The current movement features a caliber 19’’’monopusher column wheel chronograph invented by Paul-David Nardin (1855-1920) and issued patent 54714 on January 21, 1911. This invention eliminated the uncontrolled leap of the chronograph wheel, which created errors that were difficult to detect. The vertical layout makes the dial easier to read, and it is a configuration used by other brands today. The gunmetal blue steel case with gold accents is corrosion-resistant, and another indication of its use as a tool watch for outdoor and indoor use.

Generously donated by Ulysse Nardin, the watch is in excellent overall condition and was recently serviced by Ulysse Nardin. Exceptionally, it is accompanied by its Certificate of Origin, Nardin presentation box, and Exposé d’Invention from Nardin. While wristwatches are more sought after in the market today, the pocket watch is important in the history of horology as most current watches developed from these exceptional timepieces. This lovely “openface” Ulysse Nardin pocket watch is a reminder of our past, and illustrates the excellence in hand craftsmanship and innovation, done without 21st century computers.

This watch is being sold to benefit the Horological Society of New York’s ongoing education initiatives, in support of international traveling and virtual education programs, scholarships for students of watchmaking, and awards to watchmaking schools.