Late Aero-Compax typology

LouS · Apr 14, 2014

So I thought I'd take a run at sorting out the late Aerocompaxes. This is restricted to those models with non-UG/Martel power and it's all very tentative, so feel free to jump in with catalog info, reference numbers, opinions, comments, additions and refinements.

The first division I'll make is between 12 hour and 24 hour dials. The 12hr watches seem to be designated UG Cal 130 (which looks like a Valjoux 726) and the 24hr watches UG 90 (Venus 178).

Let's tackle the 12 hr variants first. Since we don't know the temporal sequence, I'm just going to call them Type A, B, etc.

Type A 12HR (photo credit m neuman I think)

Type B 12HR (photo credit unknown)

Type C 12Hr (photo credit Paul Gavin)

and the 24 hr versions

Type D 24HR (photo credit j-luc)

Type E 24Hr (photocredit Gavin)
thanks to Gavin, we known this is a ref 890101/01 http://omegaforums.net/threads/squirrel-bites-late-aerocompax.7233/

Type F 24Hr Ref 890100/01 per woodwkr

anyone got anything else?

woodwkr2 · Apr 14, 2014

Type F is ref. 890100/01
Dimensions: 48 x 41mm w/o crown, 43mm w/crown
Crown: Shield "U"
Crystal: ?Unsigned
Movement: UG 90, a re-badged/co-badged Venus 178
Serial Dating: 1963-1965 (per 100 ans)

LouS · Apr 14, 2014

updated. Where's that info from?

woodwkr2 · Apr 14, 2014

My own physical exam.

Pics to come when she's presentable.

Gavin · Apr 14, 2014

Thanks for putting this up. Will be a good reference.👍

Dedalus · Apr 14, 2014

I plan on getting the book by Sala (regardless of whether a UG is my next purchase or not) but I gotta say, the knowledge displayed and shared by some of the venerable members here is mind- bogglingly good. And I love being able to soak it all up as I slowly put my finger on whatever the next purchase will be.

mbirtch · Apr 15, 2014

I think F comes before E as F is the first state around 1965 though most pitch at 69 or early 70's...............................mine serial numbered at 1965. think the design did not go down well so changed for even number dial........................bears closer resemblance to D than E.........................

woodwkr2 · Apr 15, 2014

mbirtch
I think F comes before E as F is the first state around 1965 though most pitch at 69 or early 70's...............................mine serial numbered at 1965. think the design did not go down well so changed for even number dial........................bears closer resemblance to D than E.........................

How did you peg yours at 1965? I'm not aware of any serial number tables that are that precise.

I've cross referenced the serial number on mine with the tables appearing in 100 ans, which were later reprinted in Sala, and my serial falls between 1963 and 1965.

I believe that chronological dating will be difficult to do without a wider sampling of serial numbers for all of the presented examples above. I'd also note that the F's hour, minute, and sweep second hands are a radical departure from the "typical" UG design (as are the hour and minute in type A, for that matter).

mbirtch · Apr 15, 2014

serial number on mine(no longer mine) as yours ,indicates '63-65.........................because the hands are so "different" (and hard to read) I believe that the even number dialled Aerocompax replaced after one year.................can't prove it though..............I prefer the odd number dial as I know of no other odd number dial chronograph..................I sold to purchase a Breitling Unitime 1765-another chronograph with venus 178 movement (24hour).

ELV web · Jul 6, 2014

Just thought about adding some movement pic as received mine today, the engraving in case back has faded but still viewable (sorry for the iPad pic, I am really no good at taking pictures). And I am not lucky enough to have the original crystal 😜

The Master of Speed · Nov 9, 2015

this is mine

(Type B) 12-hour two-tone dial - ref. 22704/3 sn 2358253

PHPHD · Nov 9, 2015

mbirtch
.

The Master of Speed
this is mine

(Type B) 12-hour two-tone dial - ref. 22704/3 sn 2358253

Phenomenal! Love those blue, blue hands.

danomar · Nov 9, 2015

Ooer! This thread has been a long time coming. Thanks!

PHPHD · Nov 9, 2015

I'm sort of curious on what makes these 12-hr variants an 'aero-compax' though. The 24-hr variants I can understand (since you now have the 2 time zones), but what about the 12hr models?

LouS · Nov 9, 2015

The Master of Speed
this is mine

(Type B) 12-hour two-tone dial - ref. 22704/3 sn 2358253

Great! Thanks MoS, now we have reference number and case number for one of the types - that'll help us establish a temporal order. Can anyone else fill in additional information?

LouS · Nov 9, 2015

Let's add in the Type C from the Phillips auction yesterday.That one turns out to be a Ref 22703-3, case number 2357944, so it actually precedes our type B.

LouS · Nov 9, 2015

phphD
I'm sort of curious on what makes these 12-hr variants an 'aero-compax' though. The 24-hr variants I can understand (since you now have the 2 time zones), but what about the 12hr models?

Are they flybacks? Can any of you owners confirm or contradict?

The Master of Speed · Nov 10, 2015

no Flyback

papaebetu · Nov 11, 2015

The first one of the family... with band and correct bracelet
I mean that's the UG V72 most rare today

GIGI

LouS · Nov 12, 2015

papaebetu
The first one of the family... with band and correct bracelet
I mean that's the UG V72 most rare today

GIGI

GIGI,

what is the reference number for this watch?

Late Aero-Compax typology

LouS

woodwkr2

LouS

woodwkr2

Gavin

Dedalus

mbirtch

woodwkr2

mbirtch

ELV web

The Master of Speed

PHPHD

danomar

PHPHD

LouS

LouS

LouS

The Master of Speed

papaebetu

LouS

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