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Universal Geneve Tri Compax from the 60's

  1. yala Feb 7, 2017

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    Hello everyone, I have a question and I hope that someone can help me. I am looking into buying a very nice Tri-Compax with Bombay lugs from the 60's – this would be supposed somewhat of an "exit"-watch from my favourite brand. The watch is the best that I have ever come across, BUT: the sides of the case are brushed, and I have never seen one like that (all others I come across are polished). Is it original that these cases are brushed on the sides? Or is this indicating a possible refurbishing of the case? Thanks for your answers!
     
  2. 10H10 Feb 7, 2017

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    Hello,
    For a relevant opinion, a picture would be welcome ;)
     
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  3. rolokr Feb 7, 2017

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    You maybe very lucky, more than likely it is probably the original finish by UG !
     
  4. Diabolik Feb 7, 2017

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    @yala - No they are not brushed. there are exceptions to the rule; the space compax case has a light brush on SIDES ONLY for example. The watch you show (222100) should be shiny (not brushed) as should be case back. If case is brushed, it is likely that it has been refinished.
     
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  5. rolokr Feb 7, 2017

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    My Tri-compax sems to have brushed finish on sides, always thought it was factory finish ? What does Sala's book express on this issue ?
    My Aero-Compax has brushed finish on the entire case except on the flat side of the lugs. ? Looks original ?
     
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    Edited Feb 7, 2017
  6. rolokr Feb 7, 2017

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    Buy it ??? Amazing condition, what are you waiting for ? Polish it a bit if you don't like the brushing, I like the brushing myself!
     
  7. Diabolik Feb 8, 2017

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    I thought we were talking 60s not 40s and 50s ?
     
  8. Mlafra Feb 8, 2017

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    I agree with Diabolik, in the sense that it all depends on decade we are talkign about. In the 40s for sure brushed sides are OK, as a matter of fact they have to be brushed to be OK. 50s it kind of depends on the model. 60s I tend to agree that they should be polished and not brushed, but i cannot exclude 100% a brush finish as on the 60s I am way less prepared than I am on earlier UG models.
     
  9. yala Feb 8, 2017

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    Thanks a lot, guys. The issue I have with the brushing is a very simple one: this watch would, of course, first and foremost be a pleasure to wear. Aesthetically, the brushed sides are off the hook. But it's also a watch that should be retaining value over time – and I know that a not-so-original state would always cause a problem at that level. As always with UG – it's not a brand for the faint-hearted :)
     
    Larry S and Diabolik like this.