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Universal Geneve Aero-Compax Ref 22432 (1941-42) Info

22432 aero-compax gay freres spillmann universal geneve vintage
T
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Hello everyone, I came in possession of this lovely watch from my great-grandfather. I have no intention of selling it (at least in the short term), but am looking for as much of information about it, including on potential market value. I strongly suspect the dial and hands were replaced at some point (possibly in the 1960s?). Case has some scratches, but looks amazing for its age. I also did some research on the bracelet, and it's a Gay Frères extensible one, possibly from the same time (but hard to confirm without a reference number or something more).
Reference is 22432, with the serial number indicating a production date between 1941 and 1942. The watch is right now in the hands of UG in Geneva for authentication and a complete clean up and service, with no-polishing instructions for the case.
Any thought, additional information, advice on how to take care of it is welcome!
PXL_20260607_174046355.webp PXL_20260607_174111436.webp PXL_20260607_174132244.webp PXL_20260607_174145933.webp PXL_20260607_174206219.webp
 
Frenkling
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Hi thibe, congratulations on inheriting such a remarkable piece! As you probably already know, what you have in your hands is a very rare Aerocompax featuring a screw-back case manufactured by Spillmann. These cases are highly sought due to their modern proportions and waterproof design, and this specific reference is particularly rare, with fewer than 20 known examples.
Your intuition was spot on regarding the originality. The dial is indeed a reprint and the hands were likely replaced as well; originally, they should probably be radium-filled gladio hands. While non-lume versions can't be entirely ruled out, the reprinted dial leaves this point uncertain. Additionally, the main winding crown is incorrect, but the specific crown at 9 o'clock for the Memento dial is correct, which is a great plus. On the bright side, the Gay Frères bracelet is definitely period-correct and adds great value to the watch. From a collector's standpoint, the refinished dial inevitably impacts the overall value and reduces its pure collectibility appeal, but given its rarity and sharp case, it remains a fantastic and historic piece to keep and cherish.
 
T
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Frenkling Frenkling
Hi thibe, congratulations on inheriting such a remarkable piece! As you probably already know, what you have in your hands is a very rare Aerocompax featuring a screw-back case manufactured by Spillmann. These cases are highly sought due to their modern proportions and waterproof design, and this specific reference is particularly rare, with fewer than 20 known examples.
Your intuition was spot on regarding the originality. The dial is indeed a reprint and the hands were likely replaced as well; originally, they should probably be radium-filled gladio hands. While non-lume versions can't be entirely ruled out, the reprinted dial leaves this point uncertain. Additionally, the main winding crown is incorrect, but the specific crown at 9 o'clock for the Memento dial is correct, which is a great plus. On the bright side, the Gay Frères bracelet is definitely period-correct and adds great value to the watch. From a collector's standpoint, the refinished dial inevitably impacts the overall value and reduces its pure collectibility appeal, but given its rarity and sharp case, it remains a fantastic and historic piece to keep and cherish.
Thanks for sharing your expertise! Wow, I didn't know the specific reference was THAT rare! And too bad for the winding crown, I absolutely missed this detail... But is stays absolutely stunning in my opinion 😊
 
Mark020
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Frenkling Frenkling
this specific reference is particularly rare, with fewer than 20 known examples.
It was made in (as UG) - most likely - 36 examples, of which I know 4. There is also a larger Girard batch
 
T
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Following up to the comments: when I meet UG again, would it make sense to request a winding crown replacement if they have a period-correct one? Or would introducing another non-original (even if correct) part be pointless or even counterproductive at this stage? Thanks again to everybody for your help so far!
 
Mark020
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I don't expect them to be able to supply one.
 
T
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Mark020 Mark020
I don't expect them to be able to supply one.
Got it, thank you. Will ask anyway just in case, but good to manage my expectations!
 
Mark020
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No need to quote posts directly above ;-)
 
Frenkling
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Mark020 Mark020
It was made in (as UG) - most likely - 36 examples, of which I know 4. There is also a larger Girard batch
To add to your data, I have actually tracked 15 examples that have surfaced so far, including this specific one.

Regarding the crown, I agree with Mark, I highly doubt UG will have a correct one in stock. The proper winding crown for this reference should be unsigned as well, featuring a specific shape. While these specific crowns do exist out there, they are definitely not easy to find on the loose. Perhaps someone right here on the forum can help you track one down!
 
T
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That would be amazing, I'm very open for discussions if someone has any idea in this direction!
 
bgrisso
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I wouldn't be concerned about the crown. With the relaunch of the UG brand, it's not clear yet what kind of help they might be regarding vintage UG, remains to be seen over time.
 
T
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I have no answer about that yet, but I can say that the person I met was very passionate and interested about my piece. I hope I will be able to give more details about the vintage service soon, I'm still waiting for a quote atm
 
bgrisso
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I don't know what kind of resources were purchased with the brand, but I don't get the feeling it's a lot. It would be amazing if they had all the archival records, original dial printing cliches, etc, but I don't think so. Still, it's nice they are enthusiastic about vintage.
 
berrychlossom
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Frenkling Frenkling
To add to your data, I have actually tracked 15 examples that have surfaced so far, including this specific one.

Regarding the crown, I agree with Mark, I highly doubt UG will have a correct one in stock. The proper winding crown for this reference should be unsigned as well, featuring a specific shape. While these specific crowns do exist out there, they are definitely not easy to find on the loose. Perhaps someone right here on the forum can help you track one down!
I'd be curious to see these examples, I've only seen the black one which blew my mind.
1782172533816.webp
 
T
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Just a little update over the UG service, I got the estimate. It is (as expected) quite expensive, and probably justifiably so. They mentioned having to remove rust from the movement and the case, and having to produce some parts from scratch. Other than that, the list seems pretty standard (dismounting, cleaning, lubrication, etc.). I have to expect 12-14 weeks before getting the watch back. Thank you all again for your help and insights along the way!
 
vujen
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very strange dial. Anyway I won't spend money with them. An indipendent watchmaker is good enough.
 
Mark020
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T thibe
I got the estimate. It is (as expected) quite expensive
Enlighten us. Very curious
 
T
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It would be 3500 CHF. On the higher end of what they told me it could be when I met them
 
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