Universal Genève Medico-Compax Ref.12445 (18K Pink Gold) - Thoughts on Dial and Configuration?

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SsipaC

·Jul 22, 2025

Hello all,

I’d like to kindly ask for your thoughts on a Universal Genève Medico-Compax I’ve recently acquired.
Reference number is 12445, and the case is in 18K pink gold with a screw-back.

The dial appears to be original, with a subtle two-tone “pale champagne” finish and pink Arabic numerals. It also carries the classic 15 pulsations scale and is signed “Medico-Compax.” There are visible cracks across the dial, but no signs of overprinting or reluming that I can detect.

Serial number is located between the lugs (not shown here), and the movement is running - likely a Cal.281, though I’d appreciate any confirmation.

The watch came without box or papers, but the case, dial, and hands appear to match the known configurations from the 1950s. I believe this configuration is quite rare, especially in pink gold with this type of dial, but would love to hear your insights.

A few questions:

1. Does the dial look original to you (especially with the crack)?
2. Does the case/dial/hands combination align with what you’ve seen from 12445 Medico-Compax models?
3. How rare is this specific configuration in your experience?
4. Any recommendation for preservation (considering the cracked dial but keeping originality)?

Thank you in advance for your time and expertise. Photos below.

 

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Mark020

·Jul 22, 2025·not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer

All things considered a not very attractive example

 

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SsipaC

·Jul 22, 2025

Mark020

All things considered a not very attractive example

Thank you for your honest assessment.

The piece does have its flaws - particularly the dial crack, which I understand may be a major deterrent for collectors focused on visual perfection. However, I chose to preserve it in original condition rather than restore or redial it, as I personally value the integrity of the watch's history.

Would love to hear more about what, in your view, makes for a more desirable Medico-Compax example - any references or benchmarks would be helpful.

Appreciate the feedback!

 

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Larry S

·Jul 22, 2025·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

Looks like it was a working watch ( used daily by an actual doctor ) to me. Looks fine although quite patinated. Good strap choice.

 

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SsipaC

·Jul 22, 2025

Larry S

Looks like it was a working watch ( used daily by an actual doctor ) to me. Looks fine although quite patinated. Good strap choice.

Thanks for the kind words - that’s exactly how I see it too.

It’s a watch that clearly lived a life, and I wanted to keep the character intact.
Appreciate the comment on the strap as well - I thought the warm tone complemented the pink gold nicely.

I agree it's not museum-grade, but there's something honest about keeping it as it is.

 

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Mark020

·Jul 22, 2025·not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer

Where do you see a crack?

 

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Larry S

·Jul 22, 2025·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

Mark020

Where do you see a crack?

Indeed … I’m not seeing it either.

 

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Tony C.

·Jul 22, 2025·Ωf Jury member

In my experience, that type of patina is almost invariably unattractive. So I would steer clear.

 

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Mark020

·Jul 22, 2025·not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer

Basically it all depends on the price. I would not pay more than gold + parts

 

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vujen

·Jul 22, 2025

All good example in average condition.
I'd wear it without fear.

 

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vujen

·Jul 22, 2025

Wait, seriously for sale at 8500€?!?!

My friend, I dare say that if you want to make disguised sales, at this price range, at least there must be a minimum of quality in the watch!

😀🙄

 

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Mark020

·Jul 22, 2025·not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer

You gotta be kidding….

 

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Larry S

·Jul 22, 2025·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

vujen

Wait, seriously for sale at 8500€?!?!

My friend, I dare say that if you want to make disguised sales, at this price range, at least there must be a minimum of quality in the watch!

😀🙄

Good grief!

 

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rbob99

·Jul 23, 2025

Guys, settle down. It's only 8,000 USD. 😅😂🤣

 

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bgrisso

·Jul 23, 2025

Perhaps some translation errors coming from another language (including the word cracks which I assume is talking about dial patina) but the rarity or not of the dial is not particularly the point, what matters is condition, which is not great. Dial is original.
It’s a cal 285 ( not 281) and its a snapback not a screw back.

 

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SsipaC

·Jul 23, 2025

bgrisso

screw

Appreciate the clarification.

 

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Porteroso

·Jul 23, 2025

S SsipaC

Appreciate the clarification.

Next time, the guys here would appreciate it if you would be up front in your desire to get input, and then turn around and sell. Generally, it's a forum for collectors, not a place to help sellers make more money. They will probably still help you out!

 

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Larry S

·Jul 23, 2025·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

Porteroso

Next time, the guys here would appreciate it if you would be up front in your desire to get input, and then turn around and sell. Generally, it's a forum for collectors, not a place to help sellers make more money. They will probably still help you out!

Well and politely said. Before any of us comment on a low post count inquiry suggest these questions: Do you own this watch? Are you thinking of buying this watch? Are you looking to keep it or sell it?

 

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SsipaC

·Jul 23, 2025

Porteroso

Next time, the guys here would appreciate it if you would be up front in your desire to get input, and then turn around and sell. Generally, it's a forum for collectors, not a place to help sellers make more money. They will probably still help you out!

Thank you for your comment - I truly appreciate your perspective.

I understand that posts like mine could be misunderstood, but I’d like to clarify that my intention was purely based on curiosity as a collector. I recently came across this Medico-Compax and was genuinely intrigued by its history, originality, and the uniqueness of the configuration - especially the pink gold case and the dial details.

I’m not looking to sell it. I simply hoped to learn more from the experienced members here, whose insights I’ve always respected. Going forward, I’ll make sure to be clearer about my intent upfront.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

 

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SsipaC

·Jul 23, 2025

Larry S

Well and politely said. Before any of us comment on a low post count inquiry suggest these questions: Do you own this watch? Are you thinking of buying this watch? Are you looking to keep it or sell it?

I completely understand where you're coming from, and I appreciate the care the community takes in protecting the spirit of this forum.

Just to be clear: I do own this watch. I purchased it recently out of personal interest in vintage chronographs, and I'm not planning to sell it. My goal is simply to learn more about its originality and historical significance.

I realize I could have been more transparent up front, and I’ll be more mindful of that moving forward. Thank you again for the thoughtful guidance.