Hello all. I recently found this watch for sale and am intrigued. I tried looking for similar pieces and found one here: https://theoandharris.com/shop/vintage-watches-sold/universal-geneve-polerouter-day-date/

And a gold version here: https://www.chrono24.com/universalg...ter-14k-gfd-case-daydate-36mm--id11239233.htm

I just wanted to know if anything looks off with this watch or if it looks overly polished. Thank you

 

Can you ask the seller for some movement pictures?

 

Have asked. Will post a photo if I get it. Based on the Theo and Harris ad, I believe it should have a cal 72.

edit: Seller will be taking it to a watchmaker tomorrow for pics

 

Wait, did Theo and Harris start posting movement shots? That would be welcomed

 

Unfortunately no. This was just written at the bottom of the post. Pigs aren’t flying yet

 

Looks nice enough - might be a US-market model since the case material is written in English on the outside "Stainless Steel"... have to check for an import code and jewelling nr on the movement.
Based on the reference number, it should have a caliber 72... (872102...)

 

There is at least one White Shadow case style with brushed, rounded edges as well and they often have the same appearance of being poorly refinished. I'm assuming this is a product of poor light/bad photos and I hope they look better in the flesh; I suspect that, bar the odd scuff, the case is in fairly original condition.

 

Movement photos:

 

That is a beautiful movement. Looks pristine. Thanks for showing.

 

I told myself I would show restraint. That is, until I saw the movement photos. And well... I couldn’t resist. Will post pics when it arrives. In the meantime if anyone sees anything off please let me know. Thank you for all the help

 

It's always nice to see a microrotor caseback without circular marks

 

Saw the watch and was too slow on the trigger - congrats on a good find. Pls post the pics when it comes in.

 

So I’ve received the watch and noticed a few issues. First, the watch runs, but the minute or hour hand doesn’t move. It will when I adjust it with the crown, but the watch has been stuck at the same time for the last few hours. Second, I can’t seem to change the day in the day date indicator. For reference I paid about 500$ for this watch. I know this probably isn’t the most collectible ug, but would I be better off financially returning it or having it serviced. I certainly don’t want to lose money if I find I don’t like it later. Also, how does the case look from these pictures? Thanks

 

A service will set her right. You always should budget for one with vintage.

 

Any vintage watch I buy I service.
Only exception is if the seller shows me a service receipt less than a year old and watch works fine.

Very often, setting lever spring is broken on vintage pieces.
I would not return. These malfunctions are somehow normal on a vintage watch that has not been serviced in decades.

Case looks very good and so it the rest of the watch. A day date is just everything you need in a watch. At 500 bucks you win, even if you spend another 200 on a service!

 

I agree that the price of a service should be factored in with the purchase of any vintage watch. In my experience, spares for the cal 72 are not that easy to come by and I needed to buy a donor movement (as the watch was already with my watchmaker I put myself under, perhaps, a bit of needless pressure so definitely overpaid). The movement was equally in pristine condition apart from a cannon pinion.

I'd still go ahead with the service but I'm a bit puzzled with "if I don't like it later" comment. You have the watch in hand so surely you have enough data to work this out?