These look so awful. The ones they are a copy off of will have the U sitting much higher, and most importantly, a very easy way to spot a fake one, is that the top of the U will not be rounded (too much work for those who fake em). Instead, they'll have sharp edges, which is only the case on the buckles from the 70s, the ones that have little dimples inside the U.
The edges of the U-logo don't necessarily have to be round on the original buckles. Both the steel and the plated version also exist with non-rounded edges. See this one for example.
(Pictures from https://www.windvintage.com/universal-genve-reference-112305-6-w/-enamel-portrait)
Are these in 16mm? Only have experience with the 14mm and under, and i am not aware of those that aren't rounded. This is how the 1960s version always was. Looking at your buckle, my best guess is that the U broke off (happened pretty often on these), and the person/his watchmaker put a new U on the top. Almost certain this is the case because it looks way too sloppy to be made by UG.
Yes, there are 16 mm buckles gold plated and in steel with the non-rounded edges. Also have seen the 14 mm gold plated buckles with this feature. They are almost certainly original, as I have found them on straps from old stock.
If they were indeed made by UG, they look so damn sloppy compared to their other buckles. Also, it being installed on a new old stock strap doesn't mean anything. The person could've sold the genuine buckle separately, put the fake one on the strap, and sell the strap with the buckle at a premium. Have seen plenty of 60s scans from UG, and have never seen this style in any of them. There are other buckles with a flat top, but the design of the U is completely different.
I believe these buckles might predate the ones with rounded edges, but I can’t say for certain. Perhaps others can chime in.
FYI, there is a fake buckle producer in Northern Italy (outside Milan), who seems to have made bags full of them in steel and "gold colour", for 14 and 16mm strap ends.
Most of his fakes seem to be copies of the type 2 style buckle.
In short, beware of any buckles coming from Italy, particularly when the seller has more than 1, and of course analyse them very closely...
(just a public service announcement for the UG forum) 😉
