(Edited for less complicated text)

Hello everyone, I don‘t really know where this will be going to, but I have discovered a dial that is mounted on a different case (Ref. 12543) in the archives from the Sala book than in an old watch brochure from 1938. so, it’s the same dial, mounted in 2 different cases. Now, I own a ref 12543 (with a different dial), and the serial is in the 828xxx range. This hints that the case is from roughly 1941 to 1942. So, what do you guys think - did UG order dials at a certain point and used them throughout a couple of years until they ran out?
Here‘s Sala and the brochure side by side:

and heres my 12543:

 

Imo yes - customization of dials/cases etc was one of the ways they believed they could distinguish their brand from others and has been proven out in marketing materials from the 30s all the way to 50s...
https://omegaforums.net/threads/18k-tri-compax-unusual-lugs.81990/page-2#post-1574712

 

Thanks for the answer! I also share that opinion - and thanks for the link!!! Will dig deeper now

 

Anyone know who supplied these cases to UG?

 

If you are looking for a specific casemaker - there‘s a whole section about the casemakers in the sala-book. This applies to gold-cases though, as these were equipped with a hammer-logo with a number. The numbers referred to a case-maker. You will find these markings in the caseback of your solid gold UGs. Dunno if that helps.

 

thanks. I’ve seen this section and it’s very enlightening. I’m wanting to learn more about the stainless steel cases like those on the Polerouter Sub, Soace-Compax and the Ninas etc.

 

Me too. So, if there’s anyone who can enlighten us...

 

I'm no UG expert, but the second-generation Polerouter Sub cases (Brevet 238872) were also used with the Titus Calyposmatic, Technos Skydiver, and probably others. The 42mm twin-crown version cases were produced by the excellent Huguenin Frères (signature: "HF").

 

Interestingly, the original Swiss patent 238872 was filed by "John Simon, Tramelan":
https://universalgenevepolerouter.com/patents/737-2/

Theres some other patent numbers found inside steel UG cases (e.g. Piquerez) here if interested:
https://universalgenevepolerouter.com/patents/

 

Ah, I know about one manufacturer – The case of the MK 1 FS watch was Made by CB (Centrale Boites).

 

Hi

I think those cases were manufactured by the company "Fabrique de boites de montres Tramelan S.A.", of which Mr. John Simon was probably a major figure (owner?)

Sincerely,

Diego