Luke Skydropper
·Dear forum members, experts and fellow collectors.
I have registered on this forum after almost 8 years of watch collecting. Slowly I am getting more and more into the topic of haute horlogerie and honestly I am getting overwhelmed and many times say overwhelmed.
Just recently, I have found a true gem in the small antique shop in Buenos Aires I would like to share with you and ask for a help with further investigation about the watch origins, provenance and more.
It deals, based on the findings from Ulysse Nardin company, with:
" It is a very interesting movement and a very rare watch, it has a rattrapante on top of a monopusher chronograph.
Please note that according to our relevant department, this model might be a very first production of Valjoux caliber with rattrapante from the late 30’s. "
More over, previous owner was a significant person of the recent history of the Republica Argentina, Dr. Armando Alonso Piňeiro. Famous historian, lingvist and proponent of free media and free speech, author of more than 90 books, travelled the world and got more than 140 individual awards. The watch was, based on the information form the antique shop owner, part of the broad collection of watches, coins and other memorabilia.
Though, he wasn't the first owner and that's why I am trying continue with my research to track down the origins of this special timepiece. My last hypothesis is as follows:
" Since Ulysse Nardin back then in late 1930s were one of the best chronographs on the market, namely rattrapante, and the watch was retailed in Milan in the very late 1930s, one of the leads might be the prominent customer intended to use it at Targa Florio / Mille Miglia races or sort of famous sports events of the era. " Does it makes any sense for you?
I see many of similarities with the legendary Rolex ref. 4113, that is, from my limited perspective and knowledge, even more intriguing than the Rolex itself.
Now, about the watch:
Based on the above stated and my limited research and knowledge I have found, that not many of these very early wrist watches rattrapante has been sold in the 1930s, very large case makes it even more appealing and scarce. During the past 40 years of available track record, there were only two wrist split seconds in oversized cases 46mm and 52mm sold, both exceeding the high estimate significantly.
I would like to consult / ask following:
Attached are some images, that hopefully brings you smile on your face.
Looking forward to your response, feedback and your time invested helping me better understand the significance of this unique rattrapante chronograph.
With kind regards,
Andrej aka. Luke
I have registered on this forum after almost 8 years of watch collecting. Slowly I am getting more and more into the topic of haute horlogerie and honestly I am getting overwhelmed and many times say overwhelmed.
Just recently, I have found a true gem in the small antique shop in Buenos Aires I would like to share with you and ask for a help with further investigation about the watch origins, provenance and more.
It deals, based on the findings from Ulysse Nardin company, with:
" It is a very interesting movement and a very rare watch, it has a rattrapante on top of a monopusher chronograph.
Please note that according to our relevant department, this model might be a very first production of Valjoux caliber with rattrapante from the late 30’s. "
More over, previous owner was a significant person of the recent history of the Republica Argentina, Dr. Armando Alonso Piňeiro. Famous historian, lingvist and proponent of free media and free speech, author of more than 90 books, travelled the world and got more than 140 individual awards. The watch was, based on the information form the antique shop owner, part of the broad collection of watches, coins and other memorabilia.
Though, he wasn't the first owner and that's why I am trying continue with my research to track down the origins of this special timepiece. My last hypothesis is as follows:
" Since Ulysse Nardin back then in late 1930s were one of the best chronographs on the market, namely rattrapante, and the watch was retailed in Milan in the very late 1930s, one of the leads might be the prominent customer intended to use it at Targa Florio / Mille Miglia races or sort of famous sports events of the era. " Does it makes any sense for you?
I see many of similarities with the legendary Rolex ref. 4113, that is, from my limited perspective and knowledge, even more intriguing than the Rolex itself.
Now, about the watch:
- authenticity approved by UN
- 46mm jumbo stainless steel case
- flexible lugs
- triple signed - dial, movement and case
- co-signed dial by VERGA Milan ( Romolo Verga, most probably )
- well preserved, honest watch with original parts
Based on the above stated and my limited research and knowledge I have found, that not many of these very early wrist watches rattrapante has been sold in the 1930s, very large case makes it even more appealing and scarce. During the past 40 years of available track record, there were only two wrist split seconds in oversized cases 46mm and 52mm sold, both exceeding the high estimate significantly.
I would like to consult / ask following:
- What is the probability, that my above stated hypothesis about the Targa Florio might turn into the theory and where to find the proof? History of Targa Florio / Mille Miglia sport events timekeeping is very hard to source yet extremely intriguing!
- What was the relations between Romolo Verga and Luigi Verga 1947?
- What was the common status-quo back to the 1930s and 1940s regarding the processes of ordering unique time pieces?
- Appraisal service - whom to contact for the best price estimation of such specific, never seen before and fresh to the market ( not yet though 😀 ) watch?
- Who would be your choice if you consider selling the watch (auction, retailer, other) ?
- Any other recommendations?
Attached are some images, that hopefully brings you smile on your face.
Looking forward to your response, feedback and your time invested helping me better understand the significance of this unique rattrapante chronograph.
With kind regards,
Andrej aka. Luke