Is this a Spillman case? 22409

These cases are generally accepted as being made by spillman. Highest number I have is .978.

This one was floating around for quite some time. Great to see you landed it.

All 22409 (and some other references with same case style but different case ref) are Spillman. At least this is what everyone says, I don't know the original source documentation. I guess one obvious theory is that there are gold spillman cases (with spillman makers mark) of this exact shape, so it would follow that spillman also made the SS case of the same shape. But perhaps there is more direct evidence?

Because SS cases do not have makers mark, it is hard to identify all which are Spillman. There seem to be some other widely accepted SS (Spillman) cases which are oversized and waterproof, I don't recall the references offhand.

For some reason the pushers are very often replaced on these cases. And for some reason almost always (at least) the "lower" pusher.

The lower pusher on your case is definitely replaced. I'm not sure if the upper pusher is original or not. Its possible both are replaced at different times with different pushers, or perhaps the upper pusher is original.

There is a "classic" style of Spillman pusher where the pusher tube is very fat and the diameter difference between the tube and the cap is very small. I"m not sure any of the examples you posted are this type. It is generally accepted those are original spillman pushers. However whether original spillman pushers changed over time is not clear to me, and I'm not aware of any in depth documentation on this subject. I've had several 22409 and had these questions for many years, including trying to find original pushers (without luck).

It would be wonderful if someone did a deep dive sometime on Spillman pushers.

Additionally, I have noticed small differences in the case shape. I wondered if perhaps some of these might be fake spillman cases (but I have no idea of spillman cases have been faked in general?). Or perhaps the original case shape evolved over time? I've asked these same questions myself on the forum at times and never gotten anywhere. Again, I think a wonderful topic for a deep dive documentation for someone.

Congratulations on your watch, I love these cases and find the size and style very desirable.

As @Mark020 said this one has been on the market for quite a while. The movement looks extremely clean.

(The crossed 7 is not a concern, and FYI that is the tachy scale, not the pulso scale)

PS here is one 22409 I used to have. The upper pusher is for sure original. The lower is replaced. It now belongs to @maanu

I believe this case is unpolished, it was extremely sharp.

UOW is UG (http://www.ranfft.de/uhr/info-uscode-e.html)

Dropbox on ipad so link does not work but it was sold by https://www.graficaoro.com/

Another close one with working link: https://www.archive.jones-horan.com...22409&sort_by=date&limitnbr=300&Submit=Search

Apologies. Did not check the Jones number. The correct one is this one https://jones-horan.hibid.com/lot/49342397/universal-gene

Great research, thx !

A few thoughts....

1.173.XXX might be the last batch of UG spillman examples? I would assume Compur Spillman would be older than Uni Compax Spillman, and the reference for Compax is 22410. The archives photo for 22410 shows the older style "fat" pushers. Although I suppose it's possible there might be a later batch of 22410? The only other references that use Spillman (aside from Compur, Uni Compax, Compax) is Aero, and I believe those will be older.

So I think you have pretty solid evidence for the change in case profile based on case serial. I suspect if we study carefully, we might find other differences, not just the sides of the case.

Another thought, Spillman made cases for all different brands, it would be interesting to see if these trends are visible in other brands? It's hard to imagine this was UG specific, and it's also hard to imagine it was "intentional". For whatever reasons, there are just changes in case shape manufacturing over time.

I doubt the import stamp has any bearing, but it never hurts to collect all data.

Regarding pushers, so far we are clearly seeing a trend away from the fat pushers towards thinner, over time. However there are SO MANY types of pushers, that all look relatively similar, there is no way you can be sure they are the same without having them in hand and measuring with calipers. For example on your watch, even though at first glance the pushers are thin, and not fat, and may even appear to be the same, they are not. The lower pusher is obviously much newer based on condition alone. The shape also looks slightly different.

So while I think it's safe to say there's a trend from fat to thin, I would caution on considering all the thin pushers the same, as people probably just grabbed whatever was on hand and would fit and work.

Anyhow, please carry on with your research ! 👍

By happy coincidence, this just arrived

Congratulations - that is beautiful! 🥰

You are particularly good at unearthing the Spillmann-cased UGs @bgrisso