I am considering buying a nice looking Tri-Compax in a steel case, claimed to be found untouched but in unserviced condition. Does not run.

Would really appreciate some thoughts on how tricky a general service is on these is (compared to normal chrono), is the extra complications adding significant risk to a purchase? Anything to look for as warning?

Thanks for any input

 

where are you located?

I wouldn't let it stop me from buying, I would budget approx $1K USD for a service.

do you know if any parts are needed? That can be the difficult and expensive part.

 

If this is the watch I suspect it is, then I’d be patient and get it serviced before it leaves Italy

The numerous talented watchmakers based there seem to enjoy access to a comprehensive UG parts network. Personally I’d want to know for sure that a watch I was buying for this kind of cash ran properly before I bought it.

 

Thanks for input. Watch is in Europe. Will ask for info on potential issues.

 

Thanks! It might well be, recently shown on IG site. I think Italy is true.

 

Wouldn’t worry about it, servicing is something you’ll eventually need to do anyways. When researching this for my tri, I found 3 or 4 watchmakers in the US who were familiar with servicing a tri compax. Like @bgrisso said, it’ll be around $1k and you likely will need to be comfortable shipping your watch depending on your location.

 

I imported a non working Tri from Italy because the seller and I decided my watchmaker could bring it back to life for less than his guy. It was not our first deal. My watchmaker does not view Tri’s as anything unique or special.

 

@MOL …you are coming to us looking for advice without showing us the watch. We really cannot comment on what to look out for without seeing it.

 

"Unserviced" and "Does not run" can be very different scenarios.

 

I know the one he's talking about - the hour counter hand is crooked (and placed on the wrong subdial). I was interested in the watch but am no longer considering it. However, would love it if the OP would post some photos...would like to hear the board's views.

 

Agree it is weird - hope not to offence. All I have is a film which is hard to capture despite trying. Have asked for pics of movement. Let me be back

 

@Larry S

 

Here are some others that the seller shared with me:

 

Funny how we are discussing this series more and more. The watch I imported was a -2 (Gold Teardrop Indices) and it got sorted for around $500. This one looks good to my eyes. Even non running, mine wasn’t a bargain, but it is among the few in my collection that draws compliments from non watch people. I imagine this one is not a bargain either. I’d hold to @bgrisso ‘s budget.

 

Is it just the angle or is the hand at the date wheel bent/crooked? If it is, it will be hard to source another. Also, the red hand should be at the date dial if I’m not mistaken, so maybe someone tried to put the watch together and forgot?

 

Sorry I don’t mean to nitpick the watch, just want to provide as much info as I can, I researched this model heavily before buying mine: does anyone know if this reference came with a day wheel with diff fonts? Here a pic of my tri, which I believe to be original, set to Friday. You can see the font on my day wheel is diff

 

I do think the day hand is a tad bent.

 

Eye doctor this morning definitely blurred my vision. It was just noted in another thread Hour counter and date hands switched. This gonna take some mending.