Would love your expertise/help vetting this Tri-Compax. Thanks!!

 

The hour and minute hands are wrong. Chrono sweep is wrong. Two of the subdial hands are more purple than of blue. Case looks polished. Crown is wrong. Make sure the day and month wheels are same language.

Not great example, not horrible. Don’t overpay.

 

Might add the moon disk is a UG service disk. Chrono hand is possibly a 60’s replacement. Overall this is a bitsa this bitsa that watch. If its cheap, fine but not a collector grade watch.

 

Agree with above. Also note that they pushers are damaged also, probably cosmetic only but not sure how much that will bother you.

 

damn you guys are good. I noticed the hands, but was encouraged by a seemingly original dial? How can you tell the moon is a Service disk? Movement looks fine?
In general, when you see a bunch of replacement parts like you have pointed out, you want to steer clear as other stuff could be wrong? What value would you place on it? $5k?
Thanks!

 

Moon would have a face if original .. service and faceless disks came in mid 50s. Original face disks did not hold up well.

 

I’d not buy it ... hold out for a better watch.

 

I would spend a little more and get a nicer completely original mid sized gold Tri. I would not value this at 5k, lower for sure.

 

@j4th ... I say this to many first time buyers. Yea you can work a deal on this watch. You will still spend serious money and have something you will not ultimately be happy with. Save your funds and buy a good example.

 

Thanks guys! advice taken.
Is there a source you would recommend to learn more about how to tell if a UG Tri-compax is all original?
Is it possible to find an original Tri-compax for $5k? I can't even find anything I'm confident is original listed for less than $10k on Chrono24?
https://www.chrono24.com/search/ind...ompax&searchexplain=1&sortorder=1&watchTypes=
How does this one look to you? The 6pm sub-dial's 6's look a little too square'd at the ends?
https://www.chrono24.com/universalgenve/tri-compax-18k750-gold-12253--id10839813.htm


What about this?
https://www.chrono24.com/universalgenve/tri-compax-steel-ref-22258-luminous-dial--id7959165.htm
The x in tri-compax doesn't have the flat top and bottom I'm used to seeing?

Thanks!!

 

A copy of Sala cost a few hundred. If you are into these, its worth the investment on a watch costing thousands. There is an ocean of information in the UG sub forum. You need to ground yourself before moving further.

 

The 22258 is the most honest of the ones you posted. Heavily polished, missing hand lume and a later chrono hand.

 

We are happy to help but please don’t make us follow links. If you really don’t have the budget. Here is a good alternative here on OF.....
FS Universal Geneve Uni-Compax /SS. Ref 224100

 

Replacement crown & they went nuts with the polishing wheel, buffing through the pushers and taking the edges off the lugs. Chrono hand once dragged across the face. Ask the seller to advance the moon phase disc to determine if those chips are the only damage and/or if replaced later like the crown.

 

These are wise words. I could’ve bought Sala many times over with the money I’ve burned even AFTER reading his brilliant book and still being rash. This sub forum is an excellent appendix to that tome and grows more and more valuable every day as more thoughtful posts are added.

The bad UGs seem to sit unsold on the market for months so chances are someone may have already asked or flagged the piece here. The OF search bar is your friend. On the other hand, well priced good pieces still vanish instantly - and we shall all silently fight you for those!

 

I didn't even bother with that one. Its a mess.