Dial / case manufacturing eras and use

yala · Oct 25, 2020

(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:

jumpingsecond · Oct 25, 2020

yala
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?

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

yala · Oct 25, 2020

jumpingsecond
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 😀

morningtundra · Oct 25, 2020

Anyone know who supplied these cases to UG?

yala · Oct 25, 2020

M morningtundra
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.

morningtundra · Oct 27, 2020

yala
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.

yala · Oct 27, 2020

M morningtundra
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... 😀

Tony C. · Oct 27, 2020

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").

CafeRacer · Oct 27, 2020

Tony C.
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/

yala · Oct 27, 2020

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

dieguito77 · Mar 14, 2021

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

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

Dial / case manufacturing eras and use

yala

jumpingsecond

yala

morningtundra

yala

morningtundra

yala

Tony C.

CafeRacer

yala

dieguito77

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