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UNIVERSAL TRI-COMPAX CHRONOGRAPH - 1960s???

  1. aussywatch Aug 9, 2015

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    Afternoon all,
    Thinking of taking the plunge and getting my first UG, have a number of modern Swiss watches, but I am astounded by the quality and complication you get for the relative price in UG. The enclosed looks like a nice example - 1960s apparently, I just can't find any dials the same on the net - nice patina, but any thoughts on if it has been re-dialled? The reference they quote is 22242/1107421 with a Calibre 481.

    Any thoughts appreciated!!!
    image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg
     
  2. jordn Wants to be called Frank for some odd reason Aug 9, 2015

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    1107421 serial number dates this watch to 1945, but this dial (not refinished) type with stick markers and indented date register was typically used in early to mid 50's Tri-Compaxes (with some late 40's outliers). The hour/minute hands and the crown are genuine UG parts, but they are not native to this case either. I've only seen these alpha hands used in late 40's and early 50's time only watches, and it is my belief that signed crowns were not used until the early 50's. I should mention, however, that while there is a generally established progression of dial types and other parts used in UG watches from the 30's to the 60's, there is no precise chronology to mark these changes. That being said, I can say with approximately 95% certainty that this is a franken watch.
     
    Edited Aug 9, 2015
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  3. heypacha Aug 9, 2015

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    Here's the reference model from Sala's book.
     
    20150809_183225-1.jpg
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  4. heypacha Aug 9, 2015

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    The dial is from 12284 and the hands look like are from 22279/20
     
    20150809_223200-1.jpg 20150809_223229-1.jpg
  5. jordn Wants to be called Frank for some odd reason Aug 9, 2015

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    The reference numbers refer to case design, size, and material and have nothing to do with dial or hands used.
     
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  6. aussywatch Aug 9, 2015

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    Thanks Jordn and heypacha fantastic information! I am not that worried about the hands being from a different model as after 60odd years I would possibly expect a few tweaks. The key for me is not having a new dial as that always ruins a watch I believe! Interesting the dealer thinks it is 1960s - it will be good to put them right :) The dealer is asking $3700usd which seems a bit steep, so a few points of negotiation as above can't be bad
     
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  7. nicolas07 Aug 10, 2015

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    Hi,
    Maybe another point is that, if I am correct, moonphase for 40's tri compax should have a face on it while later ones have not.
    Again, this is not like a completely fake dial but as Jordan says it is what we can call a franken watch as it is made of parts from different era/watches reference.
    That being said, the overall condition is clearly good and it is a very nice looking watch!
     
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  8. heypacha Aug 10, 2015

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    You're right @jordn, as usual. My mistake, still new to the UG universe.
     
  9. LouS Mrs Nataf's Other Son Staff Member Aug 10, 2015

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    Yes, correct. There are in fact many more variations than shown in Sala.
     
  10. aussywatch Aug 11, 2015

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    Thanks all - it 'feels' like a solid piece even thought there may have been some slight alterations since production. I am curious to see the movement (will ask dealer for photos).
     
  11. aussywatch May 15, 2016

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    Hi All - another one has come up at about the same price. Late 1950s, Cal 481. Any thoughts gratefully received!!!!
     
    Screen Shot 2016-05-15 at 21.48.09.png
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  12. rolokr Jun 8, 2016

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    Very nice looking example !
     
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  13. MMMD unaffiliated curmudgeonly absurdist & polyologist Jun 8, 2016

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    Agree, looks like a winner.
     
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  14. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Jun 8, 2016

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    Buy this one.
     
  15. tcs Jun 9, 2016

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    What's the dealer, aussy?