Signed Ulysse Nardin, Locle Suisse, Chronomètre, movement no. 15'341, case no. 646'623, movement made circa 1910, finished, encased and sold circa 1970

Grande and Petite Sonnerie clock watches are extremely rare, being one of the most difficult complications to build in a watch. The present impressive, large and very attractive example with minute repeating is preserved in excellent condition.

The movement, no. 15’341 and an almost identical watch with movement no. 15’342, sold by Christie’s, Geneva, 16th May 2011, lot 219, were historic movements made around 1910 which had remained in the Ulysse Nardin workshops until cased and sold in the second half of the 20th century.

The finish and quality of the movement is outstanding, automatically striking the hours and quarter hours at each quarter-hour (Grande Sonnerie) with options for quarter hours only (Petite Sonnerie) and silence option for the night time hours. The trip minute repeating mechanism activated by depressing a button rather than the typical slide action is an additional sign of quality. The dial is particularly beautiful with gold numerals and indexes on a brushed silvered plate.

This substantial and elegant Grande and Petite Sonnerie striking clockwatch would be a significant addition to any serious watch collection.