Hi! I wanted to get some thoughts on a 1930’s 30mm black dial compur. This would be my first universal geneve purchase. Seems to be coming from a trusted seller, have inquired about redial, hands, original parts, previous polishes . Looks like a real beautiful unique piece. Does the size worry from a collectibility standpoint?

Would love to hear from the experts here.

Best,
Ian

 

Hi Ian

And what did the seller tell you?

 

Completely original, working order, priced at $4,000 but I am negotiating. I was only able to find one other example of this watch online (not for sale)

 

The watch looks lovely in the photo, but if it's really 30mm you would be disappointed to see it in person. Are you sure that is the correct size? I wouldn't seriously consider a 30mm chronograph unless it was as a novelty, and it would need to be dirt cheap. I couldn't see myself wearing it or even investing in a service.

 

I appreciate that insight, I’ve been doing my due diligence digging around various sites, trying to get the best value, original trusted piece. The amount of redials and parts changed on these watches are mind blowing so trying to be very careful!

 

I just want to make sure there isn't a misunderstanding about the size. I am looking through Sala's book, and watches with sub-dials similarly situated are more typically 33mm. Even 33mm is quite small (and too small for me), but if you have a very small wrist it might be acceptable to you.

 

I have a video of the watch on wrist it definitely looks like a 30mm. Dealer says it’s definitely 30mm found one other example online that showed this same watch with a description of 30mm

 

I dug into the hashtag on Instagram #babychronograph and found a few examples

 

Can we see a movement shot please?

 

Jeanneret case which is cool, but chrono sweep looks wrong and maybe crown replaced, haven’t carefully studied the dial, but I would never buy a watch this small, and it would be extremely difficult to sell, and the asking price is nuts

 

For sure,

 

Assuming that the cal 281 is 12''', it does look like the case is probably not much larger than 30-31mm.

 

Womens watches are bigger than 30 mm ! 33 mm are borderline too small much less 30 mm !

 

I think this is a sub 2000 euro watch that is getting a bump from a rare black dial and the desirable case maker. Questionable chrono hand and way too small. Slow down. Better opportunities will come along.

 

Now they definitely are, but 50+ years ago this could easily be worn on a man. I occasionally wear a 30mm LeColture handed down from my grandfather.

 

Appreciate the insight here again guys, I am on the hunt! Will definitely be checking here for auctions on the reg.

 

I'd like to see better the dial too..

 

It’s up on chrono24, he had higher quality photos on their but it’s currently down for construction. Let me know what you find!
https://www.chrono24.com/universalg...--id14886445.htm?checkoutId=2230528&showAll=1

 

Did anyone here purchase this one by chance?

Best,
Ian