Community Stories

Advice on this Universal Geneve Tri-Compax

GuiltyGear
Posts
527
Likes
1,649
Hi all. Someone local has this Tri-Compax full calendar and moon phase, reference 12552, in solid gold. Before committing to checking the watch in person and, knowing myself, loving it so much to pull the trigger, I'm hoping I can get some advice.

The seller claims the dial is original. I'm no expert, but some things worry me:

- Dial is too good to be true for a watch produced in the 50s.
- The red date hand is longer than the subdial's radius.
- The moon and stars print is a bit different, more simplistic and maybe a bit less sharp than other examples of this reference I've seen online.
- The "Swiss" text seems janky. Feels like it was hand written as a second thought.

Considering this isn't a cheap watch - the seller has listed it for $8k, which probably there's some wiggle room - I'd appreciate some opinions if it's even worth considering.

The photos below are by the seller.

1.jpg 2.jpg 3.jpg 4.jpg
 
bgrisso
Posts
3,323
Likes
7,842
This is in my ebay watch list and if I had the funds available I would have bought it already. Everything looks great to me. The only thing I struggle with is the length of the red date hand, which I cannot explain, but nothing else on the watch looks replaced to me, so I find it odd to potentially only have that one hand replaced when everything else is in such outstanding condition. If it were me, I would probably just not worry about it.

Even at the existing price I think it's a good buy, if you can get a better price and save yourself the ebay fees, tax, shipping, etc, that would be great. If I was local I would be trying to close a deal 5 minutes ago. That's just my opinion, and based on quick assessment and gut feeling, please be sure to do your own due diligence. Good luck.
 
calalum
Posts
1,559
Likes
8,021
Looks pretty good (maybe Larry and Mark can chime in here with some expert guidance). Another for comparison.

UG Tri compax 2d wrist.JPG
 
Larry S
Posts
13,154
Likes
52,275
bgrisso bgrisso
This is in my ebay watch list and if I had the funds available I would have bought it already. Everything looks great to me. The only thing I struggle with is the length of the red date hand, which I cannot explain, but nothing else on the watch looks replaced to me, so I find it odd to potentially only have that one hand replaced when everything else is in such outstanding condition. If it were me, I would probably just not worry about it.

Even at the existing price I think it's a good buy, if you can get a better price and save yourself the ebay fees, tax, shipping, etc, that would be great. If I was local I would be trying to close a deal 5 minutes ago. That's just my opinion, and based on quick assessment and gut feeling, please be sure to do your own due diligence. Good luck.
+1 Lovely. No SN but …. Mid/Late 40s from the moon face and the fonts and the unsigned crown. Never assume a dial is too good to be true. Some have held up well.
 
jumpingsecond
Posts
860
Likes
2,352
Dial looks good to me. The red hand is probably replaced but thats fine - its an old watch..still beautiful.
 
GuiltyGear
Posts
527
Likes
1,649
After your encouraging words that it's the real deal, decided to speak with the seller. He's someone I've a good relationship and bought from before. Unfortunately there wasn't as much wiggle room as I hoped for, so I have to regretfully pass. Will probably hunt for a Compax as my first UG, which are a bit more within my budget.

Thanks to all for their input. Very appreciated.
 
Oku
Posts
1,172
Likes
4,187
Late to the party, but imho the moon disc is wrong.
The eyebrow should be connected to the nose.
 
MarktheTime
Posts
829
Likes
3,527
Oku Oku
Late to the party, but imho the moon disc is wrong.
The eyebrow should be connected to the nose.
No argument about the red date hand being too long and likely a replacement, but the moon disc is almost certainly correct. I’ve owned a few with that exact same configuration. One of mine below, for example, compared to the face of the original post.
 
994E811E-919B-421A-BECC-DDB8B139FE62.jpeg
bgrisso
Posts
3,323
Likes
7,842
MarktheTime MarktheTime
No argument about the red date hand being too long and likely a replacement, but the moon disc is almost certainly correct. I’ve owned a few with that exact same configuration. One of mine below, for example, compared to the face of the original post.

as per moon disc, they are usually connected, but I don't think ALWAYS. Perhaps a deep dive research for another day. however here's an example of a NOS moon disc currently for sale on ebay......

PS these disconnected one seem to hold their blue paint better, I wonder if a later/improved batch?
 
Moonphase disc cal 287.jpg
Oku
Posts
1,172
Likes
4,187
I totally forgot that thread... getting old...
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

LeBapt

Thoughts about this Universal Compax 18k 284.445 ?

LeBapt Universal Genève Watches
LeBapt
LeBapt
Posts
10
Views
3K
F

Universal Geneve Tri-Compax Dial Size

freshestoyster Universal Genève Watches
F
freshestoyster
Posts
1
Views
911
T

Some weird hands on this universal geneve, what do you guys think?

T. de Bakker Universal Genève Watches
WhereMadnessLies
WhereMadnessLies
Posts
4
Views
3K
Florent

Universal Geneve Tri Compax 22536

Florent Private Watch Sales
bgrisso
bgrisso
Posts
2
Views
921
iChristos

Universal Geneve Tri-compax Moonphase

iChristos Universal Genève Watches
iChristos
iChristos
Posts
14
Views
5K
W

Universal Geneve Tri-Compax 12284 - Refinished Dial?

watchaholic8 Universal Genève Watches
Larry S
Larry S
Posts
7
Views
3K