I took a bit of a punt recently (no movement pictures) and thought I would share it here.

UG Compax in 14kt gold with tear drop lugs, gold leaf hands, and a cal 283 movement. The case is 34mm without crown and has an interesting case back engraving from 1951. The star here is undoubtedly the case, and specifically, those beautiful tear drop lugs.

It needs a new crystal and most likely a full service. But, does anything look out of place? Also, any thoughts on the attached gold and rose gold 14kt bracelet? I don't think I've seen one like this before and doubt that I'll be wearing it.

 

I was following it on Ebay, is it a 33mm case? The bracelet is kind of interesting, think that I'd try to wear it with it for a while.

 

I believe this is slightly larger at 34mm without crown.

 

A very handsome piece...congratulations! I would wear it with the bracelet.

 

looks great, love mine! it looks amazing on a shiny black croc band

 

Are you going to try and figure out the original owner ? Was it the NY Met ? They seem to have archives for operas in 1951, for example:

 

@w154 that's some pretty impressive sleuthing!

 

I had the same idea. Based on the engraving, I believe this was a gift to someone with the initials KG at the end of his Met Opera career in 1951. As such, I initially assumed Kip Good couldn't be correct as he made his debut that year. But, a search in the archives reveals that he was a stage director and only ever had a single performance in November, 1951. So, there is a chance it might be him. I'll continue to dig a bit deeper.

 

Love to see some more pics when it arrives

 

Lous, do you have more information on this bracelet? And is it valuable beyond the 14kt gold content?

Also, do you know if there is a safe way to do a slight clean up on the tachymeter?

 

Who here knows their Strauss operettas?
I recall that a pocket watch plays an important role in Die Fledermaus.

 

i wonder if it's the same blue paint used on the dial tachy that is used on the smiling moonphase discs, because those things rarely last....

 

I have the same ref, which I love (purchased from Dre) and the blue Tachy is nearly entirely invisible.

 

See below. Sorry.

 

I have now gone through every debutant name at the Met Opera from 1900 - 1970, and Kip Good is the only one with the initials "KG". The fact his solitary performance at the Met Opera happened in November of 1951 confirms that this watch was a gift to him after that performance. However, I haven't been able to find much else on the man other than the fact that he also did a couple Broadway performances in the 1940s.

 

I love the sleuthing on this but I'm not sure the research actually confirms anything - it does suggest it though. For all we know KG could have been Kirsten Flagstad's corset tester (I'd struggle to find an occupation more deserving of danger money).