Hi all, I inherited this watch from an uncle. I've been googling for weeks, but haven't found a single image of a similar UG. I know from the serial number that the watch is from 1937. Because there is nothing else on the watch, it is otherwise very unknown in terms of type etc. Does anyone know what type this is and what the materials are? Thanks!

 

I think it's just a typical 30's "tank" style watch. Those were the style back then and most brands looked similar. Yours appears to be solid gold and in great condition.

 

It appears to be solid gold, though not sure whether 14k or 18k, and, as suggested above, the case (at least) is remarkably well-preserved.

 

You might be able to pop the back off with a fingernail. Do you see that lip at the top of the back case? Don't go at it with something that could damage the case, if you're inexperienced. A fingernail may do.

If you can take the back off, though, we can tell you about the movement and serial number. The inner back will also show whether it's 9k, 14k, or 18k.

 

Wow! Serial number on the back lines up with the inscription. Sword (alpha) hands are in great shape as is the rest of the watch. I’m not a three hander expert but this is a lovely well preserved piece. I’d definitely have the movement serviced. Strap looks old but intact. There are multiple sources for fixed bar straps.

 

Looks very nice.

 

Thanks all for helping me out on this one. I managed to open the case (as carefully as I could..) and there's indeed more information. So it says 18k and some other marks. Will dig into those, but any help is very much appreciated.

 

Good job opening the case and be careful handling the open movement, dial and hands. One false move and there will be tears.

 

Yes, indeed. An 18k solid gold case.

Do you see the "240" numbers near the crown? That designates it as a caliber 240 movement. And it looks to be very clean, in parallel with the rest of the watch.

This shape of watch is usually called a "tank" watch. The strap looks like it may be original. Examine the buckle for hallmarks or take photos of it here. It may be solid gold, too.

 

Some snaps from Sala.

 

If you take this for service, you must carefully confirm that the watchmaker you allow to touch this is expert in and has as solid reputation servicing fine vintage watches. This is indeed a fine vintage watch btw with value that far exceeds it’s melt value. ( Sorry, I don’t believe you are contemplating this, but it needs to be said) These irreplaceable hands especially are delicate, their lume fragile. Movement only . Don’t mess with anything else.

 

That’ll be radium used in the dial, no? You definitely do not want to be touching this or opening it in your home.

 

Thanks! I am starting to understand what this is and how to treat it. What would be an approach to find out about the value?

 

Or it may have the word Universal marked on the underside - it could match some of those on this thread:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/strap-and-buckle-sizes-for-tri-compax.45956/page-3

The dial and hands have been relumed since the watch left the factory and there's s good chance that's not radium.

 

Ok OP .. here is your UG 3 hand expert.

 

Nice one. Indeed relumed and perhaps also redialled

 

Well the buckle is a bit green here and there, but I can't find any additional text or marks.

The only thing I noticed which I did not spot before is the text 'W3788' (is my guess) inside the case, but it seems to be just scratched in there instead of nicely done (btw my apologies for any poor language, English is not my mother tongue)

 

I’m not on the redialed bus. Relumed definitely.

 

I can't recall if I've ever seen a UG tank with lume before? I wonder if this started out with factory lume and someone relumed it, or if it was non lume to begin with and someone lumed the dial and added lume hands? Would require in depth research.

I can't tell about the dial originality from pics so far.

if the dial is orig I think it's worth fixing this one up a bit, either relume it properly, or if it was not lumed originally, clean the dial and replace the hands.