88101/02 Experts

fizz

Other than the slightly worn insert which is in very good condition considering its age, I see nothing wrong with the pictures you've provided. The dial is very striking - some of the subdials have very minor stain/dirt but they won't be noticeable at all on the wrist and most importantly all the lume plots are nice and puffy and consistent with the lume on the hands (though I'd still ask for a UV light shot). I can't see the crown but I think its the period correct thin logo (it came in 2 variations of the thin logo at the time and both are correct). I can't see the model and serial no on the caseback but these were notorious for it rubbing off with wrist contact over time (though my experience is under high magnification and proper lighting, it can usually be seen or at least discerned).

I know the seller (from Mexico) and have dealt with him. Their price is usually on the premium side but am surprised by the fair pricing of this watch (16k USD), probably because its been relisted (it originally sold a few months earlier and you see pics on their site under different lighting conditions).

Regarding service, the general consensus here is that it's no harder to service than a chrono but I found it a bit challenging to find the right watchmaker to service it when I had a chrono reset issue last year. My usual watchmaker didn't want to take the risk of opening it and not being able to find replacement parts and another very well known vintage watch dealer with his own in house servicing here in Dubai also didn't want to service it for the same reason (the word he used was its a "headache" if parts need replacement). I eventually found another local service center that took on the challenge and did a decent job. Again, this is a highly subjective experience and hasn't deterred me from picking other Tri's (I have 3) but the risk of lack of watchmakers willing to venture into servicing these remains a credible threat to my collection!

fizz

On the contrary, the information on Tri's especially early references from the 40's going into the 50's in this thread is higly valuable and extremely sound.

Hal10000

Thank you so much for the detailed write up. I'm doing my best going through the forums and searching the web but the info on the tricompax line is not as in depth as I would like!

I'm currently liquidating pieces from my collection in hopes of purchasing either a 88101/2 or a 22297-3.

Besides the price difference I can't decide which one I like more! Straight vs lyre lugs! Black dial or silver dial! Bezel tachy or not? Spellino pump pushers?

WHAT DO I DO? 😜

10H10

Personally, I don't really understand why people would ask strangers what they should buy, unless it's just to make an investment. Universal is a brand for enthusiasts, and I think you should buy what you love to wear.