new to forum, advice on UG uni-compax

denkazd

Hello, I am new to the forum (and relatively new to the vintage watch scene) and I am seeking advice on finding a uni-compax ref 12111 or an aesthetically similar model; one came up for sale on Hodinkee last year for 2700; any ideas on what to watch out for in terms of redials etc, fair pricing, or where to find a good example? Any advice appreciated, thanks!

BlackTalon

Welcome. The first step is to educate yourself -- read as much info as you can find, and familiarize yourself with how the watch should look, etc. There is a lot of info here on OF if you dig around, so it may be a good starting point. Watch the FS threads here, and also use WatchRecon and other similar sites to see what may be out there for sales on other forums. Once you find a watch you are interested in, look at things like the dial, hands, case, movement and crown to give your best estimate of what is good and what is bad, write it up and post it here for feedback (along w/ asking price).

The key thing is to do your homework, and not rely on others to do it for you. The more work you put into learning and assessing, the more critical reviews you will get for watches your post about.

Woops

On a purely subjective level, I find the dual sub-register chronographs the most balanced and harmonious of all UG dials and probably the watches I wear the most.

If you like more ornate lugs and dressy cases like the 12111 you mentioned then perhaps you could look at Compurs too (although these usually wear a little smaller and can be treacherous for inexperienced buyers). They were the grandfathers of the Uni Compax family and for many collectors here they are compelling watches. There is a typically brilliant thread from the late Noodia here showing the progression of this two register style at UG through the decades;

https://omegaforums.net/threads/universal-geneve-uni-compax.4446/

And because this thread needs more pictures here are two of my Compurs;

Good luck!