I came across this pin gold Uni-Compax while knocking around the jewelry stores in Florence. It has "Gobbi Milano" on the dial. Was this a common seller of UG's? The dial is otherwise a bit dirty, but the case seems to make up for it. Opinions?
Gobbi was a well-known retailer of all brands in Milan - I've seen 'em on Rolexes as well. IMO does not detract from the watch, but I like these sorts of details. Uncommon fluted bezel on this one. The lugs should have three flat facets on the front - I think they do, but hard to be certain from the photo. Dial IS filthy, but damned hard to find these in great shape - nevertheless, a discount is in order. Ought to be Reference 124116 with a serial number in the 1.5 to 1.6 million range. What is he asking?
2400 Euros. Out of my price range unless he is willing to entertain a trade. I think he is used to buyers who don't know their stuff. I can forward you his info if you like.
no, wouldn't shell out that much for this one. That's about an acceptable price in USD if it were a bit cleaner.
Makes sense. I am going to his other shop tomorrow to see if there is anything interesting, but I am guessing it will all be highly marked up.
Redialing. They used to be across the street from UG in NYC and did the original dials. Apparently they still have the dies.
Since nobody has commented on the detail on the case, I will. In many years of looking at UG chronos, I have never seen one like this. Does that raise a red flag for any of you who probably know a lot more than I do?
My reservation is that I have never seen a Universal Geneve with the case design this one has. The raised markers which appear around the perimeter at each hour is a new one to me. All the other cases I have seen do not have this detail... they are just smooth. Have you seen ones like this before?
Are you speaking of the fluted bezel? Yes, it is an uncommon variant, but well documented in Sala (associated with case references 124116 which OP's watch most closely resembles as I noted above, and with ref 124118) and around the interwebs (ref 124146; none are my watches) (picture credit mak727@O&P) unknown source unknown source (might be the same watch as above)
Yes, it must be quite an uncommon variant, since it is unfamiliar to me. But since it has been adequately documented, that satisfies my questions about it!