When did Universal Geneve start appearing on dials?
Putting the question another way.
Does UG on the dial but only Universal on the movement suggest a Franken?

 

I don't have any particular knowledge on the subject but it strikes me as fairly plausible that there was a transitional period where new dials were paired with older movements.

 

Send some pics ..

 

Sala says something about it if I recall correctly. At the office at the moment so can't look it up

 

I'm interested because it seems to be my birth year so Dibs.

 

Looks great! Good luck

 

Do you think the handset is original? The seconds hand in particular looks long and a bit odd.
The crown is perhaps also a replacement.
I presume the movement is kosher but there is little to be found about a Universal Cal 253.

 

Oops, forgot this one.

 

Didn't we have this one before and decided it was a redial?

 

It's not one I remember. Would you be able to point me to the relevant posts/thread?

 

Tried a search on this forum "Universal cal 253"
No luck, got this
The following words were not included in your search because they are too short, too long, or too common: cal, 253
Found nothing on the internet either.

 

Universal is in different ink. I'd pass.

 

So what are we to conclude?
Movement signed Universal.
Case back signed UG.
Dial...?
Overall...a Franken?

 

I've done more searching and ended up being even more puzzled.
Several internet sources state that the name "Universal Geneve" was registered in 1937 previously having been "Universal Watch Co.Ltd. Geneve".
So how come the watch case is clearly signed Universal Geneve but carries a ref. no. indicating it was produced in 1936?
Did the company start using the new name before it was registered?

 

It's not uncommon to see watches from the 20's and 30's having been redialled and/or having the movement replaced.

The only original piece here may be the case.

 

It might have been this one but the Ebay link is dead:

https://omegaforums.net/posts/624828/

I can't find the watch in question on Spanish Ebay; does the sales listing have a picture with a bit off strap hanging off at 6?

 

No strap, no springbars.

 

Despite the various concerns expressed, I still think he's a handsome chappy and will probably bid for it.

Apologies to @Moahunter , who I know has already claimed first dibs but this had already registered on my radar at that point and, in fact, I had already left a modest bid.

 

Well, you can always work out a dibs-for-dibs strategy...

 

I've decided not to try for it. Seemed to be an indulgence to possibly spend a lot of money on a suspect birth year watch.
Good luck Mazoue, I'm sure you will keep us informed if you're successful.