Dear All, One week ago I bought my first vintage Watch in an auction in Geneva. Reading all posts I am a bit concerned about it’s originality. https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/universal-ref-42413-uni-compax-lot-317-544?page=1&q= Your very expert comment is very appreciated!! Thanks!!
Hello, Sorry for not adding more details. Looking in internet I cannot find a dial with written tachimeter and telemeter that way and the number 85 seems a bit off. It is also unfortunate that the case reference number is not readable Having bought it in a reputable auction gives me a bit more guarantees but I thought better to check with the experts! Thanks
I'm sorry that I don't have the knowledge to comment on your watch but I have learnt that there's no such thing as a reputable auction.
So it appears there were variations in this reference denoted by a 6th digit (1,2,3). This can be hands and dial usually. Overall it looks ok. Condition is not what I would consider buying but presentable . H/M Hands are not the usual UG dauphine (we’ve seen and debated narrower hands here before) ... either way they don’t look strange. You might want to try and stabilize the peeling plate. A careful application of nail polish or thinned varnish perhaps? I cannot stand the arty pictures this and other houses use. For that reason and their financial instability, I’d never buy from them. Another point which I keep making to folks who PM me for advice. In this price range with UG there are too many compromises. I advise to either save up or enjoy other brands that have not been pumped up by the market. Cheers
I think you should watch private watch sales on OF, you would get a better example of UG and at,a better value !
I’ve seen that company selling a lot of questionable items over the years. I’ll echo the sentiments that auction houses can’t always be trusted and aren’t as knowledgeable as people think. Twice I informed Sotheby’s of erroneous designer attributions for items and they pulled them. It’s amazing how little they do know sometimes even though they have specialized departments.
Thanks all for your honest advice. I acknowledge that through OF I would have got a better deal but unfortunately the damage is done.. at least the watch is original and I like it. I have to add that the photo shows a watch in worst condition then it is. To my uneducated view the watch is beautiful, still I learnt the lesson and next time (guess won’t be my last vintage UG) I’ll follow your advices and will get a better deal/better conditions!
@Larry S what do you mean by financial instability when you talk about auctiions house? Do they often go bankrupt? How can you evaluate the risk? Just a noob that never bought anything at a proper auction. Thanks
While doing research before buying mine, I did come across this dial with tachymetre and telemetre on top. So, there is nothing wrong with that imo. The rest....I leave it for the experts.