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Universal Geneve Watches On Ebay

LouS
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I wish they had skipped the manufacturer servicing and just gone straight to eBay with it. Very shiny. 🙁

For the record, "they" is Kaytimmz, the person who posted the listing in this thread.

Agree about the heavyhanded polish. The contrast with the unpolished bezel shows what has been lost.
Edited:
 
x3no
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Hey guys, new here and plan to participate quite a bit after seeing some of these discussions. Trying to get into vintage watches and looking eagerly for my first purchase. I really love the look of the UG Tri Compax and Moonphase watches from the 1940s-1960s. Having a hard time finding information about the watches though, but it looks like you all have a great working knowledge.

What do you guys think of this watch listed here and its originality? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Dre...452329483?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item35e3a2460b

And this one? (To me this one looks non-original or something is up, just looks sloppy to me compared to some other versions I've seen of the watch) http://www.ebay.com/itm/universal-g...792930014?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3aa00734de

I've see many different subtle variations of this watch so just trying gather more info here, would love to hear what you guys have to say!

Thanks,
Brandon
Edited:
 
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LouS
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x3no x3no
Hey guys, new here and plan to participate quite a bit after seeing some of these discussions. Trying to get into vintage watches and looking eagerly for my first purchase. I really love the look of the UG Tri Compax and Moonphase watches from the 1940s-1960s. Having a hard time finding information about the watches though, but it looks like you all have a great working knowledge.

What do you guys think of this watch listed here and its originality? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Dre...452329483?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item35e3a2460b

It seems in decent condition besides a few blemishes. I want to say its 1940-something but I can't pinpoint the year. I've see many different subtle variations of this watch so just trying gather more info here, would love to hear what you guys have to say!

Thanks,
Brandon

Hi Brandon, welcome. That does look completely original. It is 14K, not 18K as the seller says, and the most critical thing for a new guy is the 34mm case size. If you are not already into vintage, that will strike you as very small. Most modern watches are around 40mm and up. Also, these Tri-Compaxes can be expensive to service, and the seller (zero feedback - be very careful!)is not terribly forthcoming about what "working" means. Chronograph? Moonphase? Month/Day/date?

May not be a bad pick, but as you see there are several caveats.
 
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x3no
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Good points made. I was worried when I saw 0 feedback, yea. Thanks for the quick response! I also forgot to add another ebay listing I saw, I modified my post. Any thoughts on that one?
 
Waynepjr
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You have no movement pics but an inside view of the case back.... That would make me ask for detailed, focused and clear images of the movement. Are you hiding something??? As the Great LouS pointed out, these dudes are not cheap to work on even for a "simple" clean and lube job. Be aware!! But as said, the price of admission if a deal is made could be a bargain.

Welcome!!!
Wayne
 
LouS
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x3no x3no
Good points made. I was worried when I saw 0 feedback, yea. Thanks for the quick response! I also forgot to add another ebay listing I saw, I modified my post. Any thoughts on that one?

Can't decide if that one is a redial or not, but beware, that's a very small watch too - I'd venture 33mm
 
x3no
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LouS LouS
Can't decide if that one is a redial or not, but beware, that's a very small watch too - I'd venture 33mm
True, I see "JUE". What month does that represent (assuming its a month representation?). Or is this not an english version of the watch?
 
Waynepjr
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LouS LouS
Can't decide if that one is a redial or not, but beware, that's a very small watch too - I'd venture 33mm

Very much looks like a factory replacement at the very least but still not bad..... I am also known for poor eyes too.
LOL!!!
 
LouS
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It's Spanish. Jueves = Thursday
 
x3no
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LouS LouS
It's Spanish. Jueves = Thursday
Ahhhh thanks, that explains it!
 
10H10
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I love the military markings... because sometimes you need to synchronize moon phases before a commando operation.
I don't want to be unpleasant but, very very few Tri-Compaxes where indeed made for the Brasilian army (I saw one once, beautiful dial very loaded and extremely rare, hadn't the knowledge and the wizdom at that time to buy it !!!),and as an ex-military man, I know that to be aware if the moon is out or not makes all the difference in an operation...
These very scarce Tri-Compaxes where made with a very special dial (not in the uncomprehensive Scala archives) : 3 scales instead of the 2 common "civilian" ones :
. Tachymetryc scale (civilian).
. Seconds scale (civilian).
. Telemetric scale (military).
The dial was Universal "silver" colour and of course not black and fuzzy, like the franken we are talking about.
Besides, the back cover was engraved F.A.B. (Força Aeria Brasileira).
Cheers.
 
MMMD
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10H10 10H10
I don't want to be unpleasant but, very very few Tri-Compaxes where indeed made for the Brasilian army (I saw one once, beautiful dial very loaded and extremely rare, hadn't the knowledge and the wizdom at that time to buy it !!!),and as an ex-military man, I know that to be aware if the moon is out or not makes all the difference in an operation...
These very scarce Tri-Compaxes where made with a very special dial (not in the uncomprehensive Scala archives) : 3 scales instead of the 2 common "civilian" ones :
. Tachymetryc scale (civilian).
. Seconds scale (civilian).
. Telemetric scale (military).
The dial was Universal "silver" colour and of course not black and fuzzy, like the franken we are talking about.
Besides, the back cover was engraved F.A.B. (Força Aeria Brasileira).
Cheers.

That's not unpleasant, that's fascinating information. I was being facetious. Of course the moon phase matters. So does the day and date. Just doesn't seem like the usual utilitarian, low-maintenance sort of thing most militaries go for. But the Brazilians have always had that something extra.

Surely there's a photo somewhere? It would be a terrific thing to see.
 
10H10
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rmo rmo
Hi Fellas,

This one has been kicking around eBay for a bit. I'm having trouble determining if it's a redial -- what do ya'll think?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321599670374
Hi,

My opinion is that the dial is ok but doesn't match the manufacturing date (too recent), the case design with the ref. makes me wonder, something bugs me, anyone elses toughts ?
 
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10H10
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The mix telemeter/tachymeter is peculiar though...
 
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