Ulysse Nardin 7536-2

Ulysse Nardin 7536-2 Tropical Dial Valjoux 72 Chronograph Steel

Basic Info Listing code : JDVEM6 Brand : Ulysse Nardin Reference number : 7536-2 Movement : Manual winding Case material : Steel Bracelet material : Leather Year of production : 1968 (Approximation) Condition : Good (Light signs of wear or scratches) Scope of delivery : No original box, no original papers Gender : Men's watch/Unisex Location : United States of America, Colorado, Boulder Price : 70,000 Availability : Item is in stock Caliber Movement : Manual winding Case Case material : Steel Bracelet/strap Bracelet material : Leather Worth Reading: Ulysse Nardin's ref. 7536 holds a mythical status amongst studied chronograph collectors. In aesthetic, it closely resembles early pump pusher Cosmograph Daytonas. However, it is an order of magnitude rarer than any Daytona reference at minimum, one could spend decades seeking this reference and not ever find it available. It is also larger than the Cosmograph at 38mm, with a considerably more sculptural, masculine lug profile. Finally, it is objectively more carefully made in several key areas, including sporting fine traditional hand finishing techniques applied to its Valjoux 72, which is almost never seen elsewhere. For some more learned collectors, the 7536 is an endgame in itself. Aesthetically, the slight changes here make a large visual impact. The case wears like a 38.5mm, with the extra lug-to-lug height and their massive chamfers. Its bezel is reminiscent of the era's Speedmaster, but more compact. Unlike both the Speedmaster and Daytona, it is a single piece of anodized aluminum rather than steel with an insert. The dial was made by Singer but sports an applied, mirror finish Ulysse Nardin anchor logo rather than print, which pays tribute to their importance in expanding the world map by making the first-ever marine chronometer in 1846 at HQ in Le Locle. The 7536 is the late 60s chronograph that is almost never discussed and scarcely seen, but is arguably just as, if not more, attractive than its contemporary peers like the Daytona, Carrera, and pre-moon Speedmaster. The 7536 is thought to have been made for two years 1968-69. In that run, there are two executions with subtle differences, noted as -1 or -2 at the end of the reference. This is a 7536-2, which differs from the -1 in a few minute ways. First, the chronograph hand is white instead of steel. Second, there are tritium applications at 3-6-9, where the -1 does not apply them there. Third, the crown is signed. Finally, the movement decoration changed here from a larger-grained perlage in the -1 to a côtes de Genève on upper components like the bridge and balancecock with a perlage bottom plate. But this example stands apart from every other 7536 known so far (only a handful have come to market to start). Thanks to much of its life spent in the Caribbean, its dial has aged from black to this remarkably light and even caramel tone. Phillips famously sold a 7536-2 way back in 2016 with what was the last known tropical example, a very dark brown just off black which achieved 70,420 USD at the Start Stop Reset auction. This is the deepest tropical dial example we know of date. The 7536 is one of the great chronographs lost to time, a high-water mark for classically sporting Ulysse Nardin. Ulysse Nardin held an illustrious history prior in chronograph manufacture, from tools made in the wake of WWII like the copper dial Valjoux 23 we sold last year all the way to this Daytona competitor. Sadly, this more refined aesthetic didn't really last through the quartz crisis; the house is still impressing today but with more avant-garde approaches like the Freak and Moonstruck. The 7536 is a reminder of what once was and what might have been: beautifully proportioned, exceptionally well-made, and purposefully designed. Condition: This 7536-2 presents in excellent condition. The case is extremely sharp, with some light marks from many years on wrist. Its steel sports a light, consistent patina from careful wear but with strong defined factory bevels that we all love to see. Likely unpolished. There is a scratch on the lower left lug top. Nothing is terribly deep, this could be restored but this watch has survived unrestored and likely unpolished for decades, in a state we quite love and want to keep it that way. Its dial has an even, very strong tropical tone, brighter than any we've ever seen in this reference. It ranges from caramel to tan depending on lighting conditions. Despite this, all printed text is still very clear and present. There is a light patina to the silver of the radially grained subdials. Tritium applications may be a restoration. All tritium pips are present and match the handset in a light cream tone and under UV. The hand's applications have no pinpricks or holes. The entire aesthetic is cohesive, worn frequently but cared for. The Valjoux 72 is running beautifully in spec and was serviced earlier this year, with all chronograph functions mechanically perfect. It comes on the pictured Forstner 9-row beads of rice bracelet, not original to the watch, but of the era's aesthetic. Arrangements may be made for a strap if preferred. Specifications: This watch is modeled on a relatively large 7.7 inch wrist. Brand: Ulysse Nardin Model: Valjoux 72 Chronograph Reference: 7536-2 Size: 38 Year: c. 1968 Case Material: Steel Movement: Manual Valjoux 72 Scope: Watch Only