RARE Universal Genève Dato-Compax (1930s) with Mismatched Breitling-Signed Caseback

marianovende · Mon. 6:11pm

Hello Vintage Watch Experts,

I am seeking historical information on a very early Universal Genève Triple Calendar Chronograph that has a peculiar mix of components. I am trying to determine if this is a documented factory assembly or a later repair/frankenwatch.

Watch Details:

Brand on Dial: Universal Genève
Model: Triple Calendar Chronograph (Dato-Compax style, 2 Registers)
Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold (Stamped 18K / 0.750 inside the caseback)
Case Serial Number (Exterior): 586531 (This number dates the watch to the very early Universal Genève Compax era, approx. 1930-1936)
Movement Calibre: Likely a UG Calibre 481 family (based on $481$ seen on the plate)

The Anomaly (Mismatched Components):

This is the core question:

Caseback Interior: The inner caseback is stamped and clearly signed "Breitling". It also bears a second number: 132.
Movement Bridge: One of the movement bridges is also signed "Breitling" (which is likely a repair part replacement, given the UG dial and serial).

My Question for Historians:

Is there any archival record, period documentation, or known case of the $586XXX$ Universal Genève serial range being paired with a Breitling-signed 18K caseback during the 1930s or early 1940s?
Does the inner caseback number "132" correspond to a known Breitling case supplier batch?

Any information on whether this assembly could be a rare, factory-sanctioned cross-supply or simply a Frankenwatch assembly during a later service would be highly appreciated.

Thank you very much for your expertise and time.

Dan S · Mon. 7:11pm

Appears to be a valjoux 723 movement. And I'm pretty sure an 18k UG case would start with "1", not "5". It's just a franken with a horribly re-painted dial and mis-matched hands.

I don't know why people use AI for this, and then don't even put in the slightest effort to check the junk that comes out. Where is the 481?

You'd be better off trying to track down the Breitling connection.

bgrisso · Mon. 7:19pm

I don’t know what that is, but I would stay as far away as possible !

TexOmega · Mon. 8:00pm

Nothing takes the place of actual intelligence and critical thinking.

bgrisso · Mon. 11:31pm

Nothing about the watch is UG, except that someone scribbled universal on the dial.

Mark020 · 2025-12-02T01:50:50-0600

Am I the only one who hates that bold text?

marianovende · 2025-12-02T04:33:22-0600

Dan S
Appears to be a valjoux 723 movement. And I'm pretty sure an 18k UG case would start with "1", not "5". It's just a franken with a horribly re-painted dial and mis-matched hands.

I don't know why people use AI for this, and then don't even put in the slightest effort to check the junk that comes out. Where is the 481?

You'd be better off trying to track down the Breitling connection.

Thank you for your response. I am an amateur (or layperson) in this field. My father was a great watch enthusiast, but he did not delve into the history of each one of them. Following his passing, these watches, including this one, have passed into my possession, and I need to learn their history and approximate value. As I am a layperson, I resorted to using AI to draft messages for the forum with a degree of professionalism. I reiterate my gratitude for your response, and I would be eternally thankful if you could provide me with any further information, including an approximate value. Best regards."

Dan S · 2025-12-02T07:16:38-0600

marianovende
Thank you for your response. I am an amateur (or layperson) in this field. My father was a great watch enthusiast, but he did not delve into the history of each one of them. Following his passing, these watches, including this one, have passed into my possession, and I need to learn their history and approximate value. As I am a layperson, I resorted to using AI to draft messages for the forum with a degree of professionalism. I reiterate my gratitude for your response, and I would be eternally thankful if you could provide me with any further information, including an approximate value. Best regards."

IMO, it would have been helpful to include this background information in the original post. As for value, it is mostly in the melt value of the gold, and you can add about $200 for the movement, which someone would buy for parts.

marianovende · 2025-12-02T07:22:35-0600

Hi M,

Thank you for your opinion. I understand your point regarding the melt value, as the gold weight is significant.

However, given that this is an 18K automatic OMEGA De Ville with its integral bracelet, my goal is to sell it as a luxury timepiece (or collector's item), not solely for the metal weight. Therefore, I am seeking a valuation that reflects its value as a branded piece and its design.

Could you please suggest a valuation range for selling it as a luxury and collectible item?

If you know the exact reference, that information would be extremely helpful in refining the appraisal.

Kind regards

CafeRacer · 2025-12-02T08:08:17-0600

Try the Breitling forum - it is not a Universal Geneve watch.

Mark020 · 2025-12-02T08:27:49-0600

Stop that bold text. I hate that AI sh.t

TexOmega · 2025-12-02T09:08:09-0600

There is no collector value and no luxury, so good luck selling it as such.

ErichKeane · 2025-12-02T09:13:14-0600

marianovende
Hi M,

Thank you for your opinion. I understand your point regarding the melt value, as the gold weight is significant.

However, given that this is an 18K automatic OMEGA De Ville with its integral bracelet, my goal is to sell it as a luxury timepiece (or collector's item), not solely for the metal weight. Therefore, I am seeking a valuation that reflects its value as a branded piece and its design.

Could you please suggest a valuation range for selling it as a luxury and collectible item?

If you know the exact reference, that information would be extremely helpful in refining the appraisal.

Kind regards

There is ZERO value as a 'luxury timepiece'. No collector would ever want this. Its only value is as a parted-out thing. Value is the movement value (a few hundred) plus whatever the gold is worth.

As a 'luxury timepiece' it is worth, maybe, $200. And that is just because someone might be interested in the movement.

vujen · 2025-12-02T10:35:38-0600

lol

can't wait to "AI says this" waves, I can feel them coming.

Diabolik · 2025-12-02T12:01:39-0600

horrible ...

bgrisso · 2025-12-02T12:34:45-0600

It’s worth what Dan already said. (You might want to update the title as everything in it is incorrect). Condolences on the passing of your father.

Carlton-Browne · 2025-12-02T12:48:42-0600

marianovende
...However, given that this is an 18K automatic OMEGA De Ville with its integral bracelet...

Eh?

Larry S · 2025-12-03T00:00:23-0600

“ Peculiar” is not a strong enough adjective …

southtexas · 2025-12-03T12:07:54-0600

Can you post some photos of the collection? MIght have a gem or two in there. I have a soft spot for these types of stories, since I can envision my kids looking at my collection and wondering what dad had been up to all of those years. Someday I'll get around to cataloging them in the event of an untimely demise. Sorry for your loss.

RARE Universal Genève Dato-Compax (1930s) with Mismatched Breitling-Signed Caseback

marianovende

Dan S

bgrisso

TexOmega

bgrisso

Mark020

marianovende

Dan S

marianovende

CafeRacer

Mark020

TexOmega

ErichKeane

vujen

Diabolik

bgrisso

Carlton-Browne

Larry S

southtexas

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