Preliminary identification

Ulysse Nardin Vintage Manual-Wind Dress Watch, Caliber N11HB

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

This is an elegant, mid-century manual-wind dress watch from the legendary Swiss manufacture Ulysse Nardin. Housed in a classic stainless steel case, it features a beautifully aged 'stardust' textured dial with minimalist baton markers and the brand's iconic anchor logo.

Story

Founded in 1846, Ulysse Nardin built its legend supplying ultra-precise marine chronometers to over fifty of the world's navies. This 1960s watch translates that obsessive, seafaring accuracy into a slim, elegant civilian timepiece.

Maker / Origin

Ulysse Nardin is one of the most prestigious names in Swiss watchmaking history, celebrated for its historic marine chronometers and high-complication timepieces. Based in Le Locle, Switzerland, the brand won numerous awards at international exhibitions for its precision throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Condition & Value

The watch is in honest, highly attractive vintage condition. The dial has developed a uniform, warm speckled patina ('stardust' effect) which collectors prefer over uneven water damage.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.