1940s Tri-Compax Info

Hey everyone, new to the forum and was hoping I could get some help with a Universal Geneve I recently inherited. My grandfather got it in the late 1940s, wore it for a number of years, then after he passed away in 1980 it sat in a jewelry box until I got it last summer. It’s been appraised and it still runs when you wind it up but the second hand gets stuck on the minute hand. I know it needs some work and custom parts but I’m not a big watch collector and was hoping for some recommendations on where to find a good repair shop to get it properly fixed up. I’m in Atlanta but willing to travel anywhere if I need to in order to get it in working order. I can post additional pics and info if needed and thank you in advance for your help

Welcome to the forum! That's a great story and a beautiful piece of family history. I can't recommend a specific watchmaker in your area but I can provide some info that might help you get a better idea of what you have.
You've got a Universal Genève reference 12251, which would have been engraved on the outer case back along with the serial number. That engraving has likely been polished away over the years. The case of this specific reference is nicknamed the "Truman" because it was former president Harry S. Truman's personal watch.
From a collector's perspective, the only issue might be the reprinted dial. This was a common practice during the past to make a vintage watch look new again, but it goes against the originality that collectors value. However, since you're not planning on selling it, that's not a big deal at all.
The watch is powered by the Caliber 287 movement, which is the largest chronograph caliber Universal Genève produced. The issue you're describing, with the chrono hand getting stuck on the minute hand (the actual second hand is on the left sub-dial), is likely a straightforward fix. It probably just needs a professional service and to have the crystal replaced.
I hope this information helps and I truly hope you get it fixed and enjoy wearing such a special piece

I just went through a similar process with my grandfather’s Tri-Compax. My grandfather passed away in 1995, and his late 40s early 50s 12296 sat in a box until 2023. I don’t know for sure, but I believe someone may have tried servicing it between 1995 and 2023, lost some parts, damaged others …. It was sort of running in 2023.

I sent the 12296 to my watchmaker that’s a rock star on vintage Rolex. Huge mistake, wasted 2 years. I ended up having to source parts for the watchmaker so he could make some limited progress. Red flag btw if you’re the one sourcing parts. Ended up getting a watch back that didn’t run and was allegedly “too old and worn to fix”.

Finally sent the watch to Blake Scott at Scotchwatch.com. I had gotten to know Blake as a source of parts, and also he was recommended by several long time posters, who also recommended a handful of other specialists. Best thing I ever did. I had to return it to Blake recently to fix one of the complications, but that’s understandable.

It’s all working now and I should be getting it back shortly.

Moral of the story is you absolutely need to find a specialist, not a generalist. And someone that has access to parts as odds are you may need a few. I would prioritize getting it serviced and running (cost me $3,000 plus in parts and labor) before addressing the cosmetics. That said, replacing the hour hand, polishing out the scratches on the crystal or replacing it, and replacing the band with a nice leather band will make your watch look spectacular.

IMHO, if i am a collector, i will replace the hour hand, try to find an original dial.

But it is an inherited watch, i will only change the crystal and band, and do a full service. although the hand and dial its not original, they have grandpa's story with them.

It is a very nice over-size UG tri compax moon which are much sought after by UG collectors and enthusiasts. Pity about the dial which is clearly redone. However, being a family piece, it is unlikely to be an issue unless you plan selling it. The chances of finding an original dial are slim. As mentioned, a service, an hour hand and a crystal is likely to be all it needs. Wear it and enjoy it !

Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions! My grandfather was a doctor during WWII and got it as a gift from a soldier's family after helping him recover from his injuries. Definitely want to keep it in the family but it would be nice to get it up and running too