Hi all,

Here is a long story short. Someone on a Facebook group got hold of a UG Compax while doing some metal detection work - I think this is a hobby for this person. Anyway, the watch was found in a can alongside a ring and a swiss army style knife.

I've been sent some pictures to assess condition and while the watch and dial look original to my eyes, I feel I'm a bit out of my depth on the movement. Is it complete? Rust? It goes without saying that it will need a full service, but what else? From what I have been told and also seen in a short video, the watch does run at times though I've advised the current owner against running it in it's present condition.

Now on to the fun part - pictures! I'm sure you'll see why I'm tempted to give this one a new lease of life.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

Movement looks pretty rough. Dial looks nice though; perhaps even better with a new crystal?

If the price is low enough, i think it will be a fun one to restore.

 

Agree with sdre - could be fun restoration. The dial has a warm glow that is attractive and you cant get better than the story of finding buried treasure in can.

 

Oh trust me, I'm already leaning in that direction I don't mind putting in the time and $ to get this sorted, but don't also want to get into a money pit. This is why I'm hoping to get some of the more experienced UG folks to add commentary on the movement photos.

 

Awesome story. I'll keep it at YES and you had me at "found in a can alongside a ring and a Swiss army knife".

 

I’d happily buy this and give it to my watchmaker. I’d assume 4-700 usd to put it right. It will clean up to be a great looking watch.

 

@Jonatan @Larry S I assume the movement pictures did not give you a major cause of concern in that case.

 

A pic of what else was in the can.

 

What is the case size? I think I would only be tempted if it's a jumbo and the price is very good. Otherwise it's just too much risk and effort, and not enough upside potential. I can already see at least one jumper that looks very sketchy, and I suspect the movement will require some parts.

 

If you have a watchmaker who is confident to pull it off and are willing to wait/put in some $(it sounds like you are) I would do it. I would also make sure to get the other contents of the "can". Only thing I would need to know before pulling the trigger before those other two is what is the diameter? 34mm? Anything over 33 and for me and my smallish wrists would be a go.

I am still kicking myself for not pulling the trigger on this guy.

 

Go for it - that dial looks great!

 

Yeah I had a think about that one too. Went for quite a bit though and it was pretty small.

 

With a cal 283, it's unlikely to be jumbo. My guess is about 33mm.

 

Do you have a link for that?

 

aestetically, it looks like a great candidate for restoration. A first glance at the movement, highlights the following parts that may need to be sourced (there could be more depending on what one finds when the movement is stripped).

1. minute jumper (very rusty will probably disintegrate when removed)
2. hairspring does not look good. probably corroded (difficult on to find and quite expensive)
3. various parts have superficial corrosion and may need to be replaced (screws and levers)

dibbs on it if you decide to let it go!

 

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/...0199/lot-5ce95031-ce17-48ed-8e9b-a9d2011656fd

 

Sold for GBP 800 excl fee. Not bad....

 

I had my eyes on this, too

 

Dial is original, case is in good health. Just for these thing I'd buy it.

 

Diabolik tears em down and puts them back together. I still think a talented restoration watchmaker with a good parts network and fabrication skills is the way to go. Seeing his opinion, my estimate might be a bit low. Still worth it.