I am not going to get ino the back story on this one at this point, but I have been offered this watch for $2k. Saw it in the flesh today, but could not get to the bank in time for cash, and can pick it up in the morning. From what I can see, looks like a replacement crown, and one pusher has damage. Needs a service as there is some chrono creep. Case looks pretty sharp, lightly polished, but nice bevels. Any insight would be greatly appreciated, as I have never even considered these watchest. Thanks in advance.
Looks like a valjoux 72 chrono from 60s, will be hard to find a replacement pusher unless you can get your watch maker to fashion one. But I think at the price you are being offered, it is a worthy project. Changing the crystal would probably already make this watch look tons better.
Love the patina on that dial! (Alas, as I know nothing about UG, I can't offer any other feedback...)
The Universal Geneve caliber "130" did not have a traditional needle regulator, apparently. You can check out other examples online. It seems normal.
My (non-UG) v72 doesn't have one either, but it looks different. In the photo here you see the F/S markings are far from the regulator, while in mine (and all other examples I find) when the needle is missing the markings are closer and in those cases there is an adjustable stud carrier, which this one doesn't have. I don't know what's correct or expected here, I'm just describing what I see.
That is a lovely watch. All correct apart from crown. You would probably be able to salvage the crystal by grinding it with 1200 wet and dry and then polishing it as it is likely to be original with the "u". Movement is a v72-6 or the UG caliber 130. Well worth 2k (a bargain) so snap it up. Plan on spending another 4-5 hundred on getting it to an operational status. Still an amazing deal at that price with a value of at least double that. Break a leg with it (good luck) ....
Absulotely lovely watch, i have the same but with COMPAX script, my has also a replacement crown, all Diabolik explained is a perfect description. careful with the caseback, never polish out the numbers. Cheers Gerald
Thanks for reinforcing the importance of not polishing the caseback. The numbers are just hanging on, and thank God I got to the watch when I did...the watchmaker was going to polish it!
The same oddity exists in other models too. My slate dial tri from the 60s is also without the "tricompax" wording. But there are other versions with. Both are accepted as legit AFAIK. Not a red flag in this case I think.
Numerous recently sold examples do not have Compax, and it didn't appear to impact the result of the July 2nd auction: http://watchesofknightsbridge.com/view-auction-catalogues.html Also, this one sold at Analog Shift appears to be 1 serial number off of mine: http://shop.analogshift.com/products/universal-geneve-steel-chronograph-38mm-jumbo-case
Hi, look also at this older thread, theres a pic of UG 22704/1, no compax, different hands, so all legit in my Opinion So we have the dial with SWISS T, and only SWISS, with COMPAX, withouth COMPAX, and legit 2 style hands http://omegaforums.net/threads/my-new-one.11704/