If you are collecting Universal Geneve watches and already have some Polerouters in your collection, it shouldn´t lack a Monodatic! Who set up this rule? Well, just me, as I think it is one of the most interesting UG time only watches. Back in the 50´s it was one of the most precious UG watches on the market, even more expensive than a golden Tri-Compax! Funny to see how times have changed. Most appealing for me always was the stainless steel version with the round date window. But unfortunately most of them have lost their original crystal over the years. So last week a Monodatic popped up at ebay. The Monodatic looked quiet nice (unpolished, dirty...) and even had a round loupe window what means that it might have been the original crystal. So I gave the watch a chance and won the bidding battle. The watch arrived today and I really was excited unboxing it. As it came out of the box I first looked for the crystal and... Bingo!! The U in the center of the crystal is still there. There is some patina on the dial, but it is quiet even. Dial and hands are looking original, unsigned crown might be a later replacement. Movement looks OK even if a small part of one bumper is missing. Serial and logo are worn but still visible, the HF case with curved lugs feels fantastic on the wrist. Here are some first pics after unboxing...
I love these and their roulette date windows too. There was a pristine waffle dial for sale around here a while back (Dre maybe?) which still haunts me to this day - I think a member grabbed it. Can you shed any light as to why Monodatics retailed at such a premium verses other models in the range?
I know of no other watch brand where the collectors are so enthusiastic about having the correct crystals. It never ceases to amaze and amuse me Looks like a good catch and thanks for posting those adverts!
Thanks Woops, to be honest I really don't know why they were as expansive at these days. Maybe the new case design? @CEP usually I'm not that enthusiastic about the crystal, but this round date window really needs the right crystal imho