I proposed to call Universal Watch "pre-Compur" chronographs, with two buttons, with double-column wheels, but without the word "Compur" on the dial and with the minute count at 30 minutes. What do you think ?
Your eyes are likely better than mine, but what does the faded word above the UW say? I cannot quite make it out myself:
Beauty... as an owner of a 1918 Longines 13.33, be aware these dont have anti Shock. That said these are very serviceable by a competent watchmaker. That dial and case are lovely.
It's true, I had not seen well. This does not have the writing. https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/...rly-compur?variant=5403135049743#&gid=1&pid=9
This, however, is my "Compur", always with a double column wheel, but with a 45 minute timer and the word "Compur" on the dial.
This, "Compur", always with a double column wheel, but with a 45 minute timer and the word "Compur" on the dial, cost more. https://www.christies.com/Lotfinder...6329&sid=89424454-098d-4c96-a4fa-fa1d09543bbc
Bravo Nicola! This discussion started on the Italian Forum and I believe it to be interesting as it shows a clear evolution in the transition of UG chronograph from monopushers with 30min counter, to 2 pushers with double column-wheel and still 30 min counter, to "Compur 1st Series" with two pushers double column-wheel and 45min counter to finally "Compur" that retain the 2 pushers and 45min counter but "only" 1 column-wheel. Indeed the accepted range for UG chronograph with double column-wheel is 551XXX to 562XXX, but the ones with the 30min counter (with or without the word Comput on the dial) seem to fall in the low part of that range, like 551XXX-552XXX. Also I believe the one without the name Compur on the dial are probably the (slightly) earlier ones. A final think to note: the very very very first 2-pushers chronograph by UG might have been called "Supra", as per the first example shown in the Sala's book section on Comput 1st Series, that actually by memory has a serial number lower than 550XXX.