It’a my understanding that most vintage UNs esp those that come from South America tend to be frankens. I know very little about their vintage lines as online information seems sparse. To my eyes everything except the crown seems to check out. However I have not found any example similar to this to compare. What are your thoughts on authenticity?

 

When you say it seems to check out, is that with comparisons to other examples? Because just at first glance I would have guessed it was a complete fake given that I expect UN to produce higher quality watches. But I could be totally wrong, and I'll try to do some research.

edit: The case-back medallion looks like it may have been glued on. What do you think? Usually such medallions are inset somewhat, making the watch more comfortable to wear.

 

Well, I haven't found any examples like the one you posted, but I did find one other piece with a similar case-back medallion. However, the details of the medallion are quite different with much less high-relief, it's more refined, and more worn. It would be expected for a gold medallion to be at least as worn as the rest of the SS back. In the photo you posted, the SS back is worn, polished, and scratched, but the gold medallion is sharp and unpolished.

https://www.chrono24.com/ulyssenardin/vintage-automatic-watch-50s--id3179875.htm#gref

 

Upon closer inspection of the medallion I see a difference between the anchor and “U” in UN.

 

Correct, I noticed that too. However, I don't have any real knowledge about these medallions and I'm not claiming that the one I posted is legit. It looks better, and more realistically aged, but the case-back says "INVICTA" and I didn't know about a connection between the two brands. I just think that the one you posted looks bad on general principles.

 

I suspect the medallion from the chrono24 example is likely authentic as it resembles this example: https://omegaforums.net/threads/ulysse-nardin-diver-authenticity-question.63743/

 

Good catch.

 

The movement alone screams fake, nothing more than a generic movement with the name printed on, now add to that the case and medallion, I could go on.

 

I always wondered why vintage UNs tend to be more frequently frakens/fake relative to other vintage models?

 

Partly because they are held in high regard by many collectors. The irony, though, is that while their pre-'60s pocket watches and chronographs were typically very high class, their time only watches were mostly of average quality. There were some exceptions, of course.

Also, generally speaking, you should treat any diver seen, or any watch from South America, with suspicion.

 

I would find it hard to believe that UN every made anything that crude

Actually Timex makes nicer stuff than that!

 

You mean *doesn't check out. Nothing about the watch is genuine. That dial alone, which you seem to have some confidence in, is downright vulgar.

On the other hand, I am more interested in seeing examples of authentic UNs from collectors in this forum. This is all making genuine vintage UN look ultra rare!

 

VERY true. However, there are some gems to be found if you know what you are looking for. This is my latest from Brazil:

 

I don't know the first thing about this specific brand but the movement (which looks just like the basic ones seen in many fake Omegas), poorly printed and unrefined dial and poor casting on the medallion makes the entire thing look fake to me.

 

Apparently my radar was way off on this one. As I mentioned earlier not much info is available regarding vintage UN which at least for me made it difficult to ascertain authenticity. Hence my post.

It would be great if one knows of any good reference source on this brand especially since it seems so frequently faked.

 

Here’s mine:

Most of the fakes have the UN logo and brand name poorly stamped on. They look like they are put on the dial using a rubber stamp with way too much ink.

 

Excellent. 70s?

Thanks for sharing

 

Yep, early-mid 70s would be my guess.

 

Fake,false,falseness,falsification!!!! the first

 

Here’s one ... just arrived today. Ref 10921 nicely gilded Calibre N11KJ
36mm with the 18k white-gold fluted bezel. I’m not a Datejust fanboy but I like this UN with it. Picked it up for $1650. IMO think it was worth it. Feels solid on the wrist.