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Tri-Compax 22258 Legit Check

Aweis305
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Hi, just purchased this Tri-Compax from eBay. I did some research about the reference and the dial (perhaps I should have done more) before purchasing and thought it checked out. But I’m feeling a little nervous so I figured I would get an opinion on here.

I saw this thread below with seemingly the same exact watch and they all say it checks out. https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/authentic-universal-geneve-tri-compax.5231623/

Worst case scenario, it’s a redial and I simply open a case for return once I get it. Thanks in advance!
 
IMG_9471.png IMG_9463.png
Larry S
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40s dial. Long telephony and open 6. Not a redial. When you come here for info we need S/N and reference. Moon is most likely original. I hate when sellers fail to show the moon in full . Nice piece from what I can see.
 
DaveK
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Larry S Larry S
… I hate when sellers fail to show the moon in full . ..

👍
 
Aweis305
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Yeah, once in hand Friday I'm dashing to the watchmaker to get a look at the movement. If all checks out I'm going to be a real happy guy. Thanks for all the help and comments!

Something else a Compax collector told me to do was test to see if the markers are painted or are lumed. If lumed then the hands are incorrect since to my knowledge the rule of thumb is lumed hand for lumed dials.
 
bgrisso
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Aweis305 Aweis305
Yeah, once in hand Friday I'm dashing to the watchmaker to get a look at the movement. If all checks out I'm going to be a real happy guy. Thanks for all the help and comments!

Something else a Compax collector told me to do was test to see if the markers are painted or are lumed. If lumed then the hands are incorrect since to my knowledge the rule of thumb is lumed hand for lumed dials.

correct. but I think they are probably gold foil, as per the second example in this thread. just not great photos so they look weird. Anyhow that's my guess, definitely confirm in hand.
 
BenBagbag
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Lucked out that the dial is legit, but not fair to bid first, do homework after and try to return it after the fact. Based on the pictures you can make a determination about the dial.
 
Aweis305
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BenBagbag BenBagbag
Lucked out that the dial is legit, but not fair to bid first, do homework after and try to return it after the fact. Based on the pictures you can make a determination about the dial.
In all fairness it was a "buy now" situation. But I understand what you are saying. I did do some research, like finding that first thread I linked, but felt a little nervous after some time had passed which lead me to creating this thread. Additionally, as someone noted here, it's frustrating when sellers do not take a picture of the movement, and in the case the movement is incorrect or has been altered, I personally feel that is fair grounds for a return.
 
Larry S
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Your indices are not lumed. You got a good watch. It need a full overhaul as I’ll bet the moon mechanism needs work.
 
TexOmega
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Good watch if all looks good inside....I hope you get a hint of blue and gold on your moonfaced dial.
 
TriCompax.JPG
Aweis305
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Larry S Larry S
Your indices are not lumed. You got a good watch. It need a full overhaul as I’ll bet the moon mechanism needs work.
Anything I should look out for? If the moon phase moves fine I should be in the clear right? Or two be clear, any specific red flags you notice apart from not having a full picture of the moon in the listing?
 
Larry S
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Check all functions as advised below..

Advance hands using crown until the day of the week is set / set the time to 4AM to avoid damaging the movement during the following adjustments.
2. Set the date using the pusher at 8:00
3. Set the month using the pusher at 10:15
4. Set the moon phase using the pusher at 9:15
5. Set the time using the crown
 
Aweis305
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Update: Everything looks great in terms of all being genuine. Moon phase, date, everything looks good except the mainspring is broken. So if anyone has a connect for a 481 movement feel free to send me a message. I ordered a few online so I’m hoping they could come in soon and I can get some power into this guy
 
Larry S
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Aweis305 Aweis305
Update: Everything looks great in terms of all being genuine. Moon phase, date, everything looks good except the mainspring is broken. So if anyone has a connect for a 481 movement feel free to send me a message. I ordered a few online so I’m hoping they could come in soon and I can get some power into this guy
Why are you ordering parts for your watchmaker? If your guy can’t do this right, I’d not let him touch the watch. Mainsprings ain’t precious. My guys have changed dozens for me.
Edited:
 
Aweis305
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Larry S Larry S
Why are you ordering parts for your watchmaker? If your guy can’t do this right, I’d not let him touch the watch. Mainsprings ain’t precious. My guys have changed dozens for me.
He usually gives me the option to order the part myself to save money, which since I’m handy enough online I usually take him up on. I’ve since found and ordered the part, but if anyone does have a good contact for parts I would still appreciate that since I own a lot of UGs
 
Larry S
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Aweis305 Aweis305
He usually gives me the option to order the part myself to save money, which since I’m handy enough online I usually take him up on. I’ve since found and ordered the part, but if anyone does have a good contact for parts I would still appreciate that since I own a lot of UGs
My watchmaker has a strong parts network. I leave it to them. EVERYTIME I’ve attempted to source hands for example, they don’t fit. Here on OF and e-bay. It’s getting much harder to do.
 
Geezer
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Honest question from an UG noob, is it normal that the dial in the OP has such soft edges (around subdials and apertures)? The other examples shown also look much sharper.

It looks like before painting someone softened up the dial with some abrasive (as is often done with a refinished dial).
Edited:
 
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