I just received this today and I think the “E” is most likely random paint but I am just wondering is there any practice or use for it back in the early half of 20th century? Appreciate any thoughts very much (many thanks in advance)
It is a weird dial I know. But curiosity got the better of me . No Tri-compax, no UG signature. The bottom right is wiped clean but apart from all that it is definitely a period correct dial (with swiss beneath). The bridge is signed UG. I got the parts to fix em but for novelty, perhaps leaving the dial be.
Throwing it out there but could this be some kind of test dial or one discarded due to a printing error at the factory? The e looks about the size and font of what would have been the 'universal geenve' bit.
Could the dial have possibly be cleaned by soaking it in some solution at some point, and as a result some of the lettering lifted. The rest perhaps removed but those two escaped? Long shot I know.
That's what I'm thinking as well. The 'misprinting' on the 19th date marker is probably actually the 'L' from 'Universal'.
This probably the answer to this matter based on this dial below, Surely that is not a redial, but someone tried to clean the dial instead.
Someone tried to clean the dial before i got this, when it arrived, the "ket" was actually near the 2 o'clock marker. It was removed when i sent it in for a service. I'm guessing that's why you have an "E" in one sub dial & an "L" on the "19" above.