UG tri-compax 222100-1 vs. 222100-2

Hi everyone!

This is my first post on OF, but I'm not new to watches 😀

I've always been passionate about watches and I've recently discovered more about UG. I'm a novice in terms of vintage watches and I've already seen that you have a depth of knowledge on UG that I would love to tap in.

I was after a Nina Rindt (posted on Fog City website), but the watch has actually been sold. I've been trying to find another one but the prices are a bit out of range for me.

After reading more about the 222100 range, I've realized that this would tick a lot of boxes for me and I really love the easthetics of the watch. Also, since I have already a Zenith A384 (a revival unfortunately), another panda with the Nina would be duplicative in my rather small watch collection.

I found a few watches online which I like and wanted to get your thoughts on it.

1. Between the 222100-1 and 222100-2, what's your preference and why? I know this is subjective but I'd like to hear your rationale. I personally find the tachy quite nice on the -2, but in pictures I must say that I find the balance of the dial of the -1 more visually pleasing

2. Of these watches, what do you think of the condition and which one would you go for?

2.1 No tachy, EUR 13.5K, replacement crown, seemingly polished, strap with UG buckle, runs perfectly



2.2 With tachy, EUR 14.3, dial looks more silverish (not sure I like it)


2.3 With tachy, EUR 9.9k, minute hand not as pristine as in the other 2 (note that I come from the Frend speaking side of Switzerland so I don't mind about the French calendar)


Thanks in advance for your comment!

Movement of the 2.3 option

Thanks for your input.

Superb watch indeed. You're UGChronic I suppose?

The 1st one is my preferred one to be honest. Apart from the prices, which is a factor of supply and demand (and right now I haven't come accross better ones for sale online), what in your eyes makes this one just "ok"? I believe it would reasonably easy to source a new crown branded UG (not sure but I've seen several for sale on ebay). What else have I overlooked?

Thanks

Thanks! This is much appreciated

Any feedback on Rakuten? Really hard to get any information on the watches and sellers...

Nina and Evil Clapton... they seem in good condition and decent prices vs. what I've seen them trading for these days

https://item.rakuten.co.jp/used-tok...der_reco&rtg=3e1c7000e1ca15850881c561329fa324
https://item.rakuten.co.jp/used-tok...ecommend&rtg=61fca3b7847506cbbe2b1841471906c1

Add some discussion with the seller. The serial number is barely visible but still readable. Can you help me date this watch by any chance (the 222100-1)

I've been looking all over the web and currently no other 222100-1 ref is for sale. Quite a few 222100-2, but no 222100-1.

FOMO is hitting me hard right now. Seems like I will soon purchase my first vintage UG (and first vintage watch actually!)

Thanks I missed that one. The serial numer is 2044***, which puts it between 1959 and 1960. So it seems to be one of the earlier ones out there if I'm right

Adding my perspective here to try and help on top of the excellent insight from bgrisso.

The 222100/1 has always been my preference for the cleaner look. The tachy on the /2 does seem to clutter a dial that already has 4 sub-dials/registers and a wealth of other design aesthetics (such as a blue sub dial hands) and it doesn't need more distractions. That doesn't mean that /2 doesn't have its admirers or you can't find great version of it but these two above (.2 and .3) aren't the best or ideal, especially .3 which is a terrible redial.

In terms of pricing, all 3 are highly overpriced by at least 25-30% if not more. To help back this up with data and insight, Hodinkee sold a very clean version of this reference (/1) in 2022 for 10k USD and I bought mine from a great forum member earlier this year for slightly less than that. Between this period, I found many examples that I wanted to buy at usually much higher prices or if the price was around 10k, the condition wasn't great (they do seem to have dials that age unpleasantly which can really take away or diminish the experience of wearing and owning them). I was very tempted to "give in" many times but I am glad I held back and didn't compromise for a model that I now feel was worth the fight against the constant FOMO that comes with the hunt. Patience really is key (but not an easy to exercise).

For inspiration and to spice up this thread, here is mine which I absolutely adore.

You have quite a stunning one!

Definitely FOMO took the best of me. I'm just really worried that prices will increase even more given the ongoing revival of UG... I'd rather pay 20% more today than 50% tomorrow...