Goood morning everyone, I could use some help identifying this UG. I picked this up for $300 a few months ago knowing it would require a service as seller disclosed it had a very short power reserve (<10sec). I’m finally getting around to having it serviced but I’ve yet to find any thorough information on it. Reference number 204603/2 on the back doesn’t yield much. Movement is 215-27. Any experts on here that can offer some input? Thanks in advance!

 

Hi, here are at least some informations on the movement...

http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&&2uswk&Universal_215

Hope that helps.

 

I don't know anything about that model, but looks like a pretty sweet deal for $300. Especially if the service doesn't come in too high. Good luck!

 

Based on the styling and the fact that it has a Cal 215-27, I would expect it to be late 1950s.

Is there no serial number? I suppose it may have been polished off the case back but the other engraving is still very clear.

 

I’ve yet to find it if there is however I’m inexperienced with UG. Is it located on the movement? Only other numbers on the movement is the caliber patent number.

 

No the case serial should be either interior or exterior of caseback. If you don't see them, likely polished off from exterior, this is common.

 

Agreed, although with the case ref so clear, it is possible that there never was a serial number.

It's a slightly unusual looking case back. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I think case backs marked "Stainless Steel Swiss" were for US import.

 

I agree weird looking case back. But this is getting a little late for my familiarity with UG so figured maybe later case backs changed?

 

Thanks for the input everyone. I’m starting to think the caseback is not original. Is it common for UG casebacks to require a caseback wrench? I.e 8 or so flat sides for a wrench and not the typical caseback tool

 

It's possible or the exterior numbers on the case back were re-done. I've never seen "Stainless Steel Swiss" written like that, it is very possible it was re cased

 

Yes, there are lots of UG screw-back cases with similar shaped case backs.

I would be surprised if it was not original given the UG stamp inside the case back.

 

Came across this thread wile looking at some images in the recently discussed book.

Case is definitely UG and so is dial and hands. From what I can see, it is a model that was made for the american market in the 50's. There was a steel version and a gold version with some dial variations. There is an image of the gold version in the "Universal Geneve 100 ans de tradition horologerie" (note hour battons)