Hello OF! Made a gamble on eBay and purchased this watch despite terrible photos. I bought it for the case and I am still intending to use it as a parts watch. I am just wondering if the dial is a redial? I’ve asked several collectors privately and I’ve gotten mixed response so I’m posting here hoping to see what other members think? I am leaning towards redial but I have the habit to overscrutinize. 1) font appears faded or untidy. I am not sure which is it. 2) Universal Genève appears more widely spaced than usual. 3) telemeter track is missing, possibly cleaned off. 4) minute track looks ok and centred to me. What do you guys think? I will try and post some loupe photos. I have searched online and I’ve seen several examples with this subdial layout (dash below each number and “5” and “10” printed on the dial)
You outbid me on it. Seller provided some photos of the movement if you've not already had a look (or received the same). I thought the dial looked harshly cleaned rather than reprinted. Case and movement look pretty decent though
Yeah. I was wondering if it’s been harshly cleaned or a redial as well. Thanks for the additional photos.
Anyone else would kindly weigh in on this before I decide to condemn this dial? Appreciate any opinions!
Hi, I like the watch but IMHO it looks like a scale was erased (the outer one, probably tachymètre) in a "amateur cleaning attempt", the "void" doesn't seems very aesthetic to me, thus not "Universal Genève" at all... Actually, long time ago, in my various experiments , I've tryed to clean a movado calendar dial with a damp cloth, the result was excellent, except that the whole outer scale was gone ! , I guess, the same magic trick happened here !
Agree that this is a true UG dial. Flat top "A"in Universal looks right and the subdial fonts and printing is straight and true, but washed out Also agree that it was scrubbed rather than cleaned. The interesting Printing of "Astrija" & "Torino" just above the Uni-Compax would, I assume, refer to an Italian Jeweler as being the original seller. With such a large portion of the aesthetic value of a watch revolving around the condition of the dial, it is sad to see that history slipping away. Since you bought it assuming it a parts watch, I assume you will be searching for an appropriate dial for a removal and replacement.
Having said all that, if you don't have an immediate home for the case and/or parts within, then I believe I'd leave it just as it is and wear it. The passage of a year or two may give you some time to develop a perspective on how you may then want to proceed. My first Compax has a well-weathered dial, and it is still rather pleasing overall.
Thanks for all the inputs guys. I guess even though it’s original, it’s not worth much. I did buy it for a scavenging it as we speak. Appreciate it again guys! Have a good weekend!
I must count myself fortunate to have a source who has connected me with three pristine UNI. One 35 mm and Two RG 37mm. Ever time I try to say "well you don't need three" I just can't do it. Love em all.