Universal Geneve TRI-COMPAX, 18k Yellow Gold, Ref 12268

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Reluctantly, I need to "thin the herd" of my Tri-Compax collection a bit (I now own 4...), and am offering for sale this stunning 18k yellow gold Tri-Compax. Details are below.

Please note that all photos are recent and were taken by me, except for the photos of the movement and inside of the case back, which were taken by the watchmaker in Geneva from whose store I purchased the watch in early 2017 (I have not opened the watch since then).

Universal Geneve Tri-Compax

Ref 12268, 18k Yellow Gold

Serial number 141xxxx, circa 1949

36mm or so, without crown (Sala says Ref 12268 is actually 37mm - see attached - but I see 36mm)

Original dial in excellent condition

Wonderful bezeled case and curved lugs

Original YG dauphine hands and blue-steeled sub-dial and center chrono hands

All pushers and functions work nicely (day, date, month, moonphase, chrono)

Center chrono hand snaps sharply back to 12

Watch keeps great time, though would benefit from a check-up/service, as the crown can be “stiff” to turn sometimes when setting time

Winds and runs smoothly

A few light scratches on the crystal, nothing that couldn’t be buffed out with care

Buckle is generic YG on a lightly used taupe Camille Fount strap (I believe strap is 18x14, buckle is 16mm).

Crown is a Universal signed “U” crown that is likely a later replacement

Service history is unknown, but watch was purchased from a family-owned watchmaker’s shop in Geneva in 2017 that claims to have serviced the watch prior to sale.

A rare gem in absolutely terrific condition.

Asking US $8,500 net to me via bank wire, or PayPal GIFT for established forum members (+4% if "regular" PayPal). Watch is located in Pennsylvania, USA, and I will do a face-to-face in Philadelphia, or include priority shipping in CONUS (will need to discuss shipping terms with international buyers, depending on location). Insurance can be arranged, at cost. Please feel free to ask any questions, as I will not accept returns. Watch is sold as-is. Happy to provide references from other OF members on request.

Thanks for looking.
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A fantastic piece that I've had the pleasure of seeing in person. Someone is going to get a good one!
 
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I’ve had to look at my collection several times to remind myself that I have enough gold watches! Beautiful piece and I myself like a crown with a logo.
 
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Thanks to all. Watch is now OHPF (which will take a few days, as buyer is travelling). The OF community is amazing. I'm confident the buyer will love this one!
 
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I’ve had to look at my collection several times to remind myself that I have enough gold watches! Beautiful piece and I myself like a crown with a logo.
Me too, and thanks for the nice comment. It's a lovely watch, and now OHPF. I'll be a bit sad to part with it - my first UG. But I'm hopeful it is on its way to a great new home!
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Funds received, watch is now sold. Hope the new owner enjoys it as much as I have!