Details on various models & production over time

Ted1858 · Feb 25, 2020

Hi all,
New to the forum here. I'm trying to learn more about UG watches and on the lookout for my first purchase. Are there any resources with pictures on the various model produced over time along with production numbers? Just trying to get a sense of what is common versus the harder to find stuff.

I found the table in the stickied thread that ties the serial number to the year of production, that was helpful.

Cheers,
Ted

Dan S · Feb 25, 2020

For complicated watches, there is an excellent reference book by Sala.

Ted1858 · Feb 25, 2020

Found the thread on it, thank you very much!

CafeRacer · Feb 26, 2020

Depending on the model you are after, the serial nr ranges for Polerouters give you an indication of production:
https://universalgenevepolerouter.com/reference-tables/reference-table-steel-gold-plated/

Some information on the 60s Compax lineup:
https://www.universalgenevecompax.com

There was also an overall UG site someone started working on a whole back:
http://universalchrono.com

filmir · Feb 26, 2020

You can also find some info here on three specific models.

https://alphahands.com/vintage-watch-research/universal-geneve-881101-01-eric-clapton/

https://alphahands.com/vintage-watch-research/universal-geneve-885103-02-nina-rindt/

https://alphahands.com/vintage-watch-research/universal-geneve-884100-01-big-eye/

Ted1858 · Feb 26, 2020

Thanks so much. As I browse the forum and Ebay, I have noticed that many of the watches are what I have seen referenced as "outdoorsman" or "military" time-only watches. I take it these were very common?

My problem at this point is narrowing down what I am interested in - that way I can focus on researching details of one style as opposed to attempting to ingest information on everything at once. I like them all!

Burr · Feb 29, 2020

Ted1858
Thanks so much. As I browse the forum and Ebay, I have noticed that many of the watches are what I have seen referenced as "outdoorsman" or "military" time-only watches. I take it these were very common?

My problem at this point is narrowing down what I am interested in - that way I can focus on researching details of one style as opposed to attempting to ingest information on everything at once. I like them all!

I think you’d really enjoy and find value in the Sala book, details the history of UG and also a great variety of UG watch lines covered in pictures.

Dan S · Feb 29, 2020

Ted1858
Thanks so much. As I browse the forum and Ebay, I have noticed that many of the watches are what I have seen referenced as "outdoorsman" or "military" time-only watches. I take it these were very common?

My problem at this point is narrowing down what I am interested in - that way I can focus on researching details of one style as opposed to attempting to ingest information on everything at once. I like them all!

In general (and this is not limited to any one brand), be careful to distinguish "military style" watches from true military watches. It is a favorite trick of eBay sellers to label watches military when they are not.