Ulysse Nardin - 674553 - Men - 1950-1959

Presented for auction by Second Vintage

An elegant and highly character-driven example of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, this Ulysse Nardin perfectly encapsulates the charm of vintage horology. With a dial that has aged into a completely unique visual landscape and a beautifully finished mechanical caliber beating within, this timepiece represents the intersection of respected traditional craftsmanship and the unrepeatable artistry of natural aging.

Brand: Ulysse Nardin
Serial Number: 674553
Movement: Manual Wind
Dial: Silver-tone with pronounced stardust patina and applied Arabic numerals
Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1950s
Condition: Good vintage condition with honest and distinctive dial aging

Dial and Hands
The dial of this Ulysse Nardin presents a striking and highly individual aging profile, characterized by a heavy, uniform stardust patina. This fine, freckled spotting covers the entirety of the dial surface, transforming its original light finish into a deeply textured, vintage landscape. The typography remains crisp, with the serif "ULYSSE NARDIN LOCLE SUISSE" cleanly printed below the twelve o'clock position without loss or degradation. Applied silver-tone Arabic numerals provide excellent contrast against the patinated background, complemented by an outer minute track featuring applied metallic dot indices. The time is indicated by elegant, unlumed silver-tone leaf hands that exhibit light surface oxidation consistent with the age of the timepiece, completing a very honest and character-rich visual presentation.

Case and Crystal
The thirty-three millimeter stainless steel case features a classic mid-century profile with gently sweeping, tapered lugs and a smooth, polished bezel. The case architecture retains strong lines with honest signs of wear and light handling marks distributed across the polished surfaces, indicative of regular but careful historical use. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, offering clear visibility with minimal surface wear. The watch is fitted with a snap-on stainless steel caseback that displays a brushed central medallion surrounded by a polished chamfer. The exterior of the caseback bears the clearly engraved serial number 674553, while the interior is beautifully finished with perlage and features the traditional Ulysse Nardin maker marks alongside the Acier Inoxydable designation.

Movement
Powering this timepiece is a beautifully preserved Ulysse Nardin manual-winding mechanical movement. The architecture is classically Swiss, featuring gracefully curved bridges adorned with crisp Geneva stripes and polished screw heads. The main bridge is proudly signed "ULYSSE NARDIN SWISS" and bears the movement serial number 5503590, deeply engraved and easily legible. The movement components, including the large balance wheel and exposed winding gears, present very cleanly under visual inspection. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The recorded timegrapher result is +35 to +40 seconds per day.

Strap
The watch is presented on a period correct black leather strap featuring a textured, exotic-style grain. The strap is detailed with prominent tan contrast stitching along the edges, providing a robust visual anchor that complements the deep patina of the dial, and is secured by a standard polished stainless steel tang buckle.

Condition
Good vintage condition with exceptional character. The case remains structurally sound with normal age-related wear, while the dial exhibits a heavy but highly uniform and attractive stardust patina. The movement is visually clean and operational.

Dimensions
Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown)

Remarks
This Ulysse Nardin is a captivating example of mid-twentieth-century Swiss watchmaking, distinguished entirely by its unique and heavy dial patina. For the collector who values watches that wear their history openly, this piece offers an unrepeatable aesthetic. The combination of a respected horological name, a beautifully finished manual caliber, and a dial that has aged into a unique work of art makes this a compelling addition to any vintage portfolio.

History
Founded in 1846 in Le Locle, Switzerland, Ulysse Nardin built an unparalleled reputation in the realm of marine chronometry, supplying highly accurate timekeepers to navies and shipping companies around the globe. This dedication to precision and robust engineering naturally transitioned into their production of wristwatches during the twentieth century. Timepieces from this era reflect the brand's commitment to high-grade mechanical finishing and elegant, legible design, serving as a testament to a golden age of traditional Swiss horology.

Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent).
Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age.
Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description.
If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.

/ Second Vintage

SKU: ULY-UNX-0003