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Universal Geneve 50mm Compur

D
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Recently inherited from my Grandfather and researching more information on the attached images of his old watch. I have not been able to find out anything about the model because of the unusual dial size. It is 50mm and all my hunting online has not thrown up any information. There is lots on the smaller 37mm dial.

The history of the watch is that he, grandfather, was a Production Engineer on the Spitfire production line in the English Midlands during the 2nd WW. He used the stopwatch for timing production processes on the line. He mentioned that he had it from an Italian pilot.

It is a puzzle,

Does anyone have a clue as to the model number and model history. Purely because I cannot find any information online does make an oddity.

Thanks in advance if you have any information you can share.

My best

David
 
Universal Geneve Compur 50mm-1.jpg Universal Geneve Compur 50mm-2.jpg Universal Geneve Compur 50mm-3.jpg
TexOmega
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Welcome............nifty watch, sorry about your loss.

We have a handful on UG wizards and after they get revived from their feinting spells they will post interesting comments.


If at all possible, post more up-close pix of the dial, hi-rezz the better
 
D
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TexOmega TexOmega
Welcome............nifty watch, sorry about your loss.

We have a handful on UG wizards and after they get revived from their feinting spells they will post interesting comments.


If at all possible, post more up-close pix of the dial, hi-rezz the better
 
Mark020
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Very interesting watch. I think it is either a reference 7445 or 22504; both dating to about 1938. Serial 723k or 728k. Movement should be a 292. Size is then 55mm (and not 50mm). Dial is original UG but may be from a later date. Your reference and serial can be found on the inside of the caseback. These watches were made in very limited numbers: I would say 100 pieces at max. They are generally seen as being military but are not marked as such. The pilot story underwrites this.
Edited:
 
D
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Mark020 Mark020
Very interesting watch. I think it is either a reference 7445 or 22504; both dating to about 1938. Serial 723k or 728k. Movement should be a 292. Size is then 55mm (and not 50mm). Dial is original UG but may be from a later date. Your reference and serial can be found on the inside of the caseback. These watches were made in very limited numbers: I would say 100 pieces at max. They are generally seen as being military but are not marked as such. The pilot story underwrites this.
 
D
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Hi Mark,

Thank you very much. I will take the case back off tomorrow and see what markings there.

My very best

David
 
Larry S
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TexOmega TexOmega
Welcome............nifty watch, sorry about your loss.

We have a handful on UG wizards and after they get revived from their feinting spells they will post interesting comments.


If at all possible, post more up-close pix of the dial, hi-rezz the better
And side shots….as you are beginning to surmise .. nice inheritance! Resist the e mails you will be getting. Looking fed to movement and inside case shots.
 
D
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Mark020 Mark020
Very interesting watch. I think it is either a reference 7445 or 22504; both dating to about 1938. Serial 723k or 728k. Movement should be a 292. Size is then 55mm (and not 50mm). Dial is original UG but may be from a later date. Your reference and serial can be found on the inside of the caseback. These watches were made in very limited numbers: I would say 100 pieces at max. They are generally seen as being military but are not marked as such. The pilot story underwrites this.
 
D
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Further to my post here are some photos of the watch.

The numbers on the inside of the case back are 751654 and 7445 which are as Mark020 said.

An interesting detective story.

Thanks for any information that anyone can come up with.

My very best

David
Universal Geneve Compur 50mm-1-2.jpg Universal Geneve Compur 50mm-2-2.jpg Universal Geneve Compur 50mm-3-2.jpg
 
Mark020
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Very interesting. Do you have a picture of the side of the case? I assume that it is ‘ribbed’. The serial indicates this one was made directly after a batch of 22411’s (which are ‘only’ 46mm)
 
itsjustausername
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What an amazing piece of history! Looking forward to seeing some expert opinions on this
 
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Mark020 Mark020
Very interesting. Do you have a picture of the side of the case? I assume that it is ‘ribbed’. The serial indicates this one was made directly after a batch of 22411’s (which are ‘only’ 46mm)
 
D
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Larry S Larry S
And side shots….as you are beginning to surmise .. nice inheritance! Resist the e mails you will be getting. Looking fed to movement and inside case shots.
 
D
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Hi Larry,

took the case back off this morning and here are more pics. At some stage I am going to do some work. 😀

My very best

David
Universal Geneve Compur 50mm-1-2.jpg Universal Geneve Compur 50mm-1-4.jpg Universal Geneve Compur 50mm-2-2.jpg Universal Geneve Compur 50mm-3-2.jpg
 
Larry S
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D David_H
Hi Larry,

took the case back off this morning and here are more pics. At some stage I am going to do some work. 😀

My very best

David
Universal Geneve Compur 50mm-1-2.jpg Universal Geneve Compur 50mm-1-4.jpg Universal Geneve Compur 50mm-2-2.jpg Universal Geneve Compur 50mm-3-2.jpg
I assume and pray you mean “commission some work” . Assume you a not watchmaker? This needs and merits a restoration shop specialist. Pics are not clear but this movement needs major TLC. If in the US I’d discuss this with Roland Murphy at RGM. If EU or UK you will need suggestions. Very tough to put a value on this beast but it easily merits investment. It might just need a good tear down and clean, mainspring, and tune but I suspect there is more to do.
Edited:
 
D
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Larry S Larry S
I assume and pray you mean “commission some work” . Assume you a not watchmaker? This needs and merits a restoration shop specialist. Pics are not clear but this movement needs major TLC. If in the US I’d discuss this with Roland Murphy at RGM. If EU or UK you will need suggestions. Very tough to put a value on this beast but it easily merits investment. It might just need a good tear down and clean, mainspring, and tune but I suspect there is more to do.
 
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