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  1. Nicolai Aug 18, 2019

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    Hello, I have lately become interested in vintage watches and have been researching UG Tri-Compax after falling in love with it after seeing one on an episode of "Talking Watches". I have tried to buy a Tri-Compax for a while now but every time I find one that seemingly ticks all the boxes - only to find out that dial has been restored or other info that have caused me rather err on the side of caution and drop the purchase.

    The last watch I almost pulled the trigger on is sold by a dealer in Germany, the model is not specified, but to me it looks like a 222100. The watch looks stunning to me - but at closer scrutiny the stamped model number on the case is 881101/02, and serial number is 2'556'536.

    upload_2019-8-18_22-9-31.png

    According to the reference guide on Tri-Compax in Timepiecechronicle:
    https://www.timepiecechronicle.com/features/reference-guide-universal-geneve-tri-compax-1960-to-1969
    the stamped serial number indicates a production year of 1966-67 and the model number suggests a reverse panda dial or "Evil Clapton" Tri-Compax. Clearly this watch has a brushed silver dial and no bezel ring.

    My immediate suspicion is that the case on this watch is replaced from another watch and as such the watch is not 100% original as stated by the seller, or could I be wrong? Is there any chance that this piece was produced as late as 1966-67 and that this variation was actually produced under the model number 881101/02?

    So far I have chosen to cancel the deal - but I would very much like to know if I am wrong and that this actually is the genuine article?
     
  2. TexOmega Aug 18, 2019

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    I see zero pictures to make any assessment.
     
  3. Nicolai Aug 18, 2019

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  4. Nicolai Aug 18, 2019

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    Sorry, picture showed in post on my end. Tried again.
     
  5. ELV web Aug 19, 2019

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    Your assumption sounds about right.
     
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  6. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Aug 19, 2019

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    Best advice is to do your homework and check in here if you are unsure. UG is a hot category and full of costly traps for the unwary. This is especially true for Tri-Compax.
     
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  7. squarelug Aug 19, 2019

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    Agreed. Something is off.
     
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  8. rolokr Aug 19, 2019

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    Wrong case back for sure !
     
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