Thoughts about this Uni-Compax 12249

MarcelGuinchard · Jan 29, 2023

Hi UG experts,
I am offered this Uni-Compax ref 12249. Based on @Dre 's sticky thread, the serial number dates it from 1943-1945.
The seller says the diameter is 36mm, but it looks smaller in the pictures.
What do you think about the dial?
I don't see any big warnings, but I often get surprised by members' eyes of this forum.

Movement pictures coming
thanks!

Tony C. · Jan 29, 2023

I'm not an expert on the brand, but I would minimally require a much better photo of the case back, and obviously a good photo of the movement, before considering a purchase.

Larry S · Jan 29, 2023

Tony C.
I'm not an expert on the brand, but I would minimally require a much better photo of the case back, and obviously a good photo of the movement, before considering a purchase.

Inside case back as well.

Dan S · Jan 29, 2023

If you are questioning the size of the case, I'm sure you can use the reference number to do some research.

vujen · Jan 29, 2023

dial is ok, btw

MarcelGuinchard · Jan 29, 2023

Dan S
If you are questioning the size of the case, I'm sure you can use the reference number to do some research.

Thanks! Interestingly, I could only find one single mention of this reference, at US-based dealer Robert Maron. He does not state the diameter, have asked him.

Larry S · Jan 29, 2023

Dial is not documented in Sala but looks ok.... but it sits in a Compur case. Uni section is very thin in Sala. Compur became UNI so there was probably some cross over. Dial swapping by dealers was also common. Still merits a look at the inside case back and movement. I think he's counting the crown in his width calculation. I have a big wrist and this size still wears nicely. Hands are all good.

bgrisso · Jan 29, 2023

Dial looks fine. Best to get clear on case size, hard to imagine 36mm. Crown is wrong. Seems like uncommon reference, and the caseback is very interesting, looks like it has an outer screw down ring for waterproofing? Here's some catalog pics others have posted here and a link to another great UG forum. (I'm not clear the crossover between compax and uni, have not studied, but since we are seeing examples of both, my gut sense probably ok).

The italian example is 1 number away !

https://orologi.forumfree.it/?t=63472246&st=45

martinc · Jan 29, 2023

Looks good and original to me, except for the crown as mentioned already.

I would tend to think that it is smaller than 36 mm (36 maybe including the crown?).

The case back is of a very interesting and rarely seen type.
Thanks @bgrisso for the link and images of another example (with a very very similar Uni-Compax marked dial, btw)!

MarcelGuinchard · Jan 29, 2023

Wow, fascinating that you found the same watch, 1 serial number away @bgrisso . Interesting screw ring patent by Favre & Perret S.A, as explained in the Italian forum.

additional pictures and case size coming later today or tomorrow.

thank you so much guys

bgrisso · Jan 29, 2023

MarcelGuinchard
Wow, fascinating that you found the same watch, 1 serial number away @bgrisso . Interesting screw ring patent by Favre & Perret S.A, as explained in the Italian forum.

additional pictures and case size coming later today or tomorrow.

thank you so much guys

I’m not clear how one would tighten or loosen the rear screw ring? Don’t see any notches or way to get a tool on it ?

martinc · Jan 29, 2023

bgrisso
I’m not clear how one would tighten or loosen the rear screw ring? Don’t see any notches or way to get a tool on it ?

Snap on?

bgrisso · Jan 29, 2023

martinc
Snap on?

Yah was thinking must be pressure fit not threaded, but if that’s true, what’s the advantage over a regular snap back? I didn’t really study the drawings. Maybe there’s an extra flange or something to keep water out.

martinc · Jan 29, 2023

bgrisso
Yah was thinking must be pressure fit not threaded, but if that’s true, what’s the advantage over a regular snap back? I didn’t really study the drawings. Maybe there’s an extra flange or something to keep water out.

I think the ring is snap on and the rest of the case back is “just” pressure fitted into the case and has an o-ring on the outside.
So the snap on outer ring is kind of just securing the actual lid in place…

I actually know the owner of the watch (the seller) and have seen a photo (attached) of the inner lid/case back. And I think it shows it works like this…
Sorry for the size and quality, it’s not my photo (nor my watch).

Larry S · Jan 29, 2023

bgrisso
Yah was thinking must be pressure fit not threaded, but if that’s true, what’s the advantage over a regular snap back? I didn’t really study the drawings. Maybe there’s an extra flange or something to keep water out.

Not much since the achilles heel of these watches is the stem seal in my experience.

Mark020 · Jan 29, 2023

Do you have a movement pic? Serial should be 217k-ish

martinc · Jan 29, 2023

Mark020
Do you have a movement pic? Serial should be 217k-ish

I am sorry, I don´t.
Let´s hope the seller will be able to send some - I am curious myself to see more & better.

MarcelGuinchard · Jan 29, 2023

Will post movement pictures here as soon as I get them.
When comparing other references who’se third number (base plate) is also « 2 », I guess the case diameter will be 33mm. Unfortunately quite small. Still interested in the watch, but makes me doubt a bit. keep you posted with additional infos!