Hi All - First time poster here, but I was hoping to hear your advice on the below UG military watch from the 50s. I really like it's styling and think it would be a great way to start a collection at a reasonable price point. That said, I know nothing about this model and am having a hard time finding anything else similar online to compare it to. It appears to be in really good condition for a watch that old - should I be worried it is a replacement dial? I am a little concerned that it seems posted in a number of forums (ebay, chrono24, rolex forums) and no one is bidding - is there something obviously wrong with it that I am missing? Thank you so much for the help!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-...166651?hash=item2881404cbb:g:WJoAAOSwmNRdLlSQPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

people call these military but that doesn’t mean anything, just something to be clear about. The 24 hr numbers are a plus but it’s on the smaller case size, and lume has fallen out if the hands.

I know the seller, not affiliated myself, I will send you a pm.

best to post pics not just the link, which will not last

 

I enjoyed the show! I hope someone from this group got it and hope to see it soon! $5000 hike in 18 seconds...

 

Oh wow. There a few interesting UGs on sale this past week on eBay. Anyone here land that actual tri compax? I didn’t do a ton of research but looked legit from a quick look: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/193318767345

 

I was outbidded in the last sec for that Tri

 

What does that mean for this watch? I love small time only watches and this one looks the straight dope to me.

 

Im not sure what you are asking. But if you want to be in touch directly with the seller you can message me.

 

I'm not sure I understand either, but I looked this up in case it helps.

 

Hi everyone...new guy here, I was the 9300 bidder until I went to bed..... Well...will have to continue looking for my first UG.

 

Many of the names in this thread (BGrisso, for example) are genuine authorities on UG (not me though). I will check with these guys before spending good cash on my next UG. Welcome!

 

Sorry, I meant do you think it is a good example? It looks very nice to me.

I found another on Instagram, and the 24 hr markers look like they were printed with less weight, the insta watch shows just Swiss instead of Swiss made; the minute chapter looks different too. But the fonts all look the same on the other rings and the hands line up perfectly with the markers on both watches. Probably I’ll spend today looking for more examples to compare but not really sure what to make if the differences.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6dwQeoKgVN/?igshid=14s0lvobtc0yi

 

I'm not too concerned about the dial, and Ben would probably have said something if he was worried about it. But feel free to send him a PM. Perfectly fine little watch if you're ok with the size and missing lume. But as mentioned, not military.

 

@rahilb ....So this is an Outdoorsman sport model. Cal 263. Yes ... these are a terrific entry point into UG and many of us are very fond of them. They wear bigger than their size. The watch is correct. Personally I might spring for a sympathetic lume replacement. @bgrisso is indeed an expert in these. The price is fair imo even with the missing lume. The rest of the watch is great.

 

Swiss made on the dial would normally be a major red flag on something this early, but I have an example myself, so i know it happens, just not often. Anyhow as I said I think it's a nice watch, just factor the missing lume and smaller case size into the price. The seller lives near me, so if anyone wants to work a direct deal, I can put you in touch.

The example on IG also looks nice and correct, I don't know the reference but would guess it's also a smaller one (32ish). I prefer not to get anything under 34mm myself, so I am more picky on these models, as the bigger sizes are far less common.

There are also cal 267 models that look very similar to these cal 263 models, they are a good option. If you can't see a mvmt shot, you can identify them because the second hand always has a tail.

 

Actually that IG example is massively polished. But the dial is nice. I don't even want to know the asking price

I feel like I have sold a bunch of these here on OF, usually at cost. I think Larry has at least one

 

I do indeed .. Mine is the larger case cal 263 with chubby lugs. With the service I had done, I’m into it for about $700. Bought it when UG fever hit me back in 2015 from a dealer I know who always has unique pieces. Its one of my favorites. Permanent collection.

 

And this...cal 267 ...smaller case. From Ben... View attachment 924721

 

These fat lugs 20721 are my favorite, but the second example you posted, 20514, is only a fraction smaller at 34mm, which I still consider the big size

 

How many dial versions exist for this reference?

 

At least two to my knowledge, the one without a tachymeter with this reference is the one I’ve seen more often. I believe there are some questions/debate on the particular reference in the eBay post as many had initially thought this dial variation was only found on later references