UG ref 12297 cal 281 restoration help!!

Sonny90 · Jul 6, 2022

I recently came into ownership of this UG chronograph and would like to hear some opinions as I would like to bring it back to its former glory. From my understanding the dial has been refinished but I’m not sure if the hands, pushers or crown have been changed at some point??? With regards to an original dial, would any correct size compax dial be period correct? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated, I have done my best to upload some clear pictures. cheers guys

Larry S · Jul 6, 2022

Unfortunately the juice is not worth the considerable squeeze it would take to correct this watch. The H/M/Chrono hands are all wrong, the crown is a replacment, the pushers should be smaller on this model based on what I can glean from Sala. Ironically the dial is exactly what is shown in Sala but had been repainted. Its not a bad looker so my advice is to wear it and forget about its issues. If you want a correct UNI do a careful search. I can’t imagine you paid too much for this.

Sonny90 · Jul 6, 2022

Larry S
Unfortunately the juice is not worth the considerable squeeze it would take to correct this watch. The H/M/Chrono hands are all wrong, the crown is a replacment, the pushers should be smaller on this model based on what I can glean from Sala. Ironically the dial is exactly what is shown in Sala but had been repainted. Its not a bad looker so my advice is to wear it and forget about its issues. If you want a correct UNI do a careful search. I can’t imagine you paid too much for this.

Thanks for the reply Larry. Yes in the future I shall conduct a lot more research, it was an impulse buy if I’m being totally honest. Im glad to know that the dial was at least re-finished in the correct style. I think I'm going to locate the book by sala and do some more reading prior to pulling the trigger next time around.

Mark020 · Jul 6, 2022

Always a good idea!

Larry S · Jul 6, 2022

Sonny90
Thanks for the reply Larry. Yes in the future I shall conduct a lot more research, it was an impulse buy if I’m being totally honest. Im glad to know that the dial was at least re-finished in the correct style. I think I'm going to locate the book by sala and do some more reading prior to pulling the trigger next time around.

Actually the indices are correct and the dial probably was in the watch when it left the factory, but the refinisher apparently didn’t care to get the name or the fonts correct. (Its not a Compax) That said, its not unpleasant to look at so just wear and enjoy.

ALEJANDRO BOVONE · Jul 7, 2022

Sonny90
I recently came into ownership of this UG chronograph and would like to hear some opinions as I would like to bring it back to its former glory. From my understanding the dial has been refinished but I’m not sure if the hands, pushers or crown have been changed at some point??? With regards to an original dial, would any correct size compax dial be period correct? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated, I have done my best to upload some clear pictures. cheers guys

finding a dial is not impossible. and it even might be fun, as you can enjoy the watch as it is and if you come across an original dial, once you get it and replace it you ll feel satisfied you improved your watch.

JulianK · Jul 7, 2022

As long as the dial doesn't bother you to wear, it isn't horrible to look at. Enjoy the watch for what it is and I totally agree with the above. I'm sure that's a lovely case to wear.

UG ref 12297 cal 281 restoration help!!

Sonny90

Larry S

Sonny90

Mark020

Larry S

ALEJANDRO BOVONE

JulianK

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