Sala case diameter findings/anomalies?

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Recently I purchased a Tri-Compax, ref 22536 cal 287 in pristine condition. When I received it and measured it, the case size was about 35mm. In Sala, he explains the case size on these are 37mm.

With the Tri-Compax next to my 37mm Uni-Compax, it clearly shows there is a difference in case... but why? Did Sala's case measurements include the crown?

Tri Compax case size showing around 35mm or below, not including crown.


Uni-Compax case size showing 37mm without crown. (I moved a bit as I was taking the picture, so it shows a little gap on the left, but if the caliper was re-centered, this is the width of the case)


In Sala, the Tri Compax Ref 22536 is stated to be 37mm.


The Uni-Compax is ref 124103 and is stated to be 38mm
 
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Try measuring the case with the straps off (calipers at 12 and 6). A tri-compax containing cal 287 should indeed be approx 37mm as the movement diameter (33.2mm) would not allow for a 35mm case. Two beautiful watches 🥰 dibs on your tricomp! 😀
 
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@jordn Hmm good points made.. So is measuring the diameter width of the case the wrong way to do it? Should I be measuring from top to bottom like you suggested? And thanks! Although I think I'll be returning the Tri-compax as it just sits too small on my wrist unfortunately 🙁 Will need to find one that is at least 37mm in width, if possible!
 
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So is measuring the diameter width of the case the wrong way to do it? Should I be measuring from top to bottom like you suggested?
The way you did it is not necessarily wrong, but top to bottom would get a more accurate reading in this case.
 
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The way you did it is not necessarily wrong, but top to bottom would get a more accurate reading in this case.
Measuring from top to bottom gave me a reading of around 37mm so, that was on the money. I re-measured from 9 to 3 (the width) not including the crown, and it measured out larger today. I guess my eyes were fuzzy last night trying to do it later in the evening. I got a measurement this time of around 36.5mm give or take.

But to settle it, I'm assuming Sala's measurements in the book are from 12 to 6 (top to bottom) then?
 
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But to settle it, I'm assuming Sala's measurements in the book are from 12 to 6 (top to bottom) then?
Ideally, side to side and top to bottom measurements should be almost identical if the case hasn't been polished. The slight discrepancy is probably a result of having to navigate the crown and pushers.
 
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Ideally, side to side and top to bottom measurements should be almost identical if the case hasn't been polished. The slight discrepancy is probably a result of having to navigate the crown and pushers.
That's actually an interesting observation - are most cases that we see are round actually 'round'?