Universal Compur Estate Sale Find

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Syrte

·Aug 30, 2019

Larry S

Aaron Bespoke ... after all this .. it deserves one of his.....I’m thinking distressed brown gator but he has so many options. Send him the pics and he will work with you on materials and stitching. French patina is also an option.

Matte brown gator sounds fantastic. Grey would also look beautiful.

I would advise against distressed as might detract from the beauty of the watch. And the watch isn’t distressed, so it will clash with it— unless of course the distressing is extremely subtle and almost invisible.
Also think it should be flat, which is more vintage in style and much more elegant IMHO.
the volume of a padded strap is also a distraction and doesn’t bring out the full beauty.

 

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Matty01

·Aug 30, 2019

Australian fish leather strap...

 

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Larry S

·Aug 30, 2019·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

Distressed brown gator from Aaron:

French Patina From Aaron:

Burgundy Lizard: (Italy .. Maker Unknown)

Blue Gator (Hirsch) :

Edited: Aug 30, 2019

 

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Larry S

·Aug 30, 2019·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

Syrte

Matte brown gator sounds fantastic. Grey would also look beautiful.

I would advise against distressed as might detract from the beauty of the watch. And the watch isn’t distressed, so it will clash with it— unless of course the distressing is extremely subtle and almost invisible.
Also think it should be flat, which is more vintage in style and much more elegant IMHO.
the volume of a padded strap is also a distraction and doesn’t bring out the full beauty.

Great points. This is a very dressy watch. Since I’m rarely wearing suits anymore, and have a big wrist, I’ve been dressing down my gold watches. Arron can do any finish and any thickness. Other consideration is stiffness with Female spring bars. The Hirsch was a real bear to install.

Edited: Aug 30, 2019

 

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VetPsychWars

·Aug 30, 2019

knafel1983

I want to change the strap. It's 17mm, any suggestions?

Judging from your pictures, there is enough lug post showing that an 18mm strap is a better size.

That said, it's likely not 17mm but rather the older US size of 11/16ths. Look on eBay and you will see what is available for 11/16th but make sure you check the length before you buy because people were smaller when 11/16ths was a popular size.

Edited to add: since you mention you have a large wrist, just look for 11/16th Long.

Tom

 

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knafel1983

·Aug 30, 2019

Syrte

Bravo👍
So glad we encouraged you to undertake this, it’s now the marvel it was supposed to be!

Can you remind us how you found the guy who restored the lugs, what’s his background, where he’s based—- and what type of metals he handles?

Another OF member referred me to Peter Wuischpard out of Lancaster PA. Watchcaserepair.com. He is swamped with work, and took 5 months to complete the lugs.

 

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Larry S

·Aug 30, 2019·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

knafel1983

Another OF member referred me to Peter Wuischpard out of Lancaster PA. Watchcaserepair.com. He is swamped with work, and took 5 months to complete the lugs.

He’s a true artist. Thanks for sharing.

 

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bgrisso

·Aug 30, 2019

knafel1983

All done. More pictures later.

What a dial ! Congratulations!

 

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knafel1983

·Sep 3, 2019

Can anyone find pictures anywhere of any other examples with this dial? I've scoured the entire internet, it seems, can't find one anywhere. Is this dial variation rare?

 

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Syrte

·Sep 3, 2019

Of course it is super rare! Why do you think I told you it was worth spending even 2000 dollars on it?

Here are some similar but not identical ones-
https://omegaforums.net/threads/another-original-ug-dial-design.56120/#post-738425

The gold one I’ve been lucky to try on— I seem to recall someone opining its worth is about 15K euros or Swiss francs.

 

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knafel1983

·Sep 3, 2019

Is it appropriate to ask what this piece may be worth? Any ideas?

 

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Larry S

·Sep 3, 2019·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

Ok i’ll Be brave, pulling a figure out of the air:
+ Uber Rare Dial in great condition and Rare Case
+ It’s a Compur...
- Case is restored, albeit beautifully, and 35mm
- Case style is idiosyncratic.
- Dial is still the star of the show.

$7-10k

 

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bgrisso

·Sep 3, 2019

I think this is really hard to put a value. If you could stir up interest and get it into one of the bigger auctions, and get two people after it, who knows. On the other hand the damaged case would hold it back from top prices. UG is really tough to price in general, and with unique examples I think the value becomes...............what someone is willing to pay 😉

 

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knafel1983

·Sep 3, 2019

$7-10k is a lot, but finding someone to pay that is another story. If anyone wants to make me an offer.......

Edited: Sep 3, 2019

 

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Larry S

·Sep 3, 2019·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

knafel1983

$7-10k is a lot, but finding someone to pay that is another story. If anyone wants to make me an offer.......

It was an educated guess of course.

 

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knafel1983

·Sep 3, 2019

I could sure use that kind of money. So I'm open to offers.

 

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Larry S

·Sep 3, 2019·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

Well, again a guess. I don’t see any indications that anyone agrees with me. Certainly this is not your average Compur.

 

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Woops

·Sep 4, 2019

Kudos for sticking your head above the parapet, Larry. Compur are almost impossible at the best of times, never mind a borderline one-off dial with a restored case. I'm at the lower band of your more learned estimate so between $5k and $7k, personally, but this is finger in the air stuff as you say.

I also commend the OP on apparently giving this forum first dibs in return for the help offered here. 👍

 

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knafel1983

·Sep 4, 2019

My inbox is awaiting actual offers, if anyone is interested. A lot of messages and bezel kickers. But I am seriously enjoying this piece for now.

 

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squarelug

·Sep 4, 2019

Oh man, you are a lucky dog. Definitely be willing to spend on service - not where you want to be spendthrift.