UNIVERSAL TRI-COMPAX CHRONOGRAPH - 1960s???

aussywatch · Aug 9, 2015

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!!!

jordn · Aug 9, 2015

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.

heypacha · Aug 9, 2015

Here's the reference model from Sala's book.

heypacha · Aug 9, 2015

The dial is from 12284 and the hands look like are from 22279/20

jordn · Aug 9, 2015

heypacha
Here's the reference model from Sala's book.

heypacha
The dial is from 12284 and the hands look like are from 22279/20

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

aussywatch · Aug 9, 2015

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

nicolas07 · Aug 10, 2015

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!

heypacha · Aug 10, 2015

jordn
The reference numbers refer to case design, size, and material and have nothing to do with dial or hands used.

You're right @jordn, as usual. My mistake, still new to the UG universe.

LouS · Aug 10, 2015

jordn
The reference numbers refer to case design, size, and material and have nothing to do with dial or hands used.

Yes, correct. There are in fact many more variations than shown in Sala.

aussywatch · Aug 11, 2015

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).

aussywatch · May 15, 2016

Hi All - another one has come up at about the same price. Late 1950s, Cal 481. Any thoughts gratefully received!!!!

rolokr · Jun 8, 2016

Very nice looking example !

MMMD · Jun 8, 2016

Agree, looks like a winner.

Larry S · Jun 8, 2016

MMMD
Agree, looks like a winner.

Buy this one.

tcs · Jun 9, 2016

What's the dealer, aussy?

UNIVERSAL TRI-COMPAX CHRONOGRAPH - 1960s???

aussywatch

jordn

heypacha

heypacha

jordn

aussywatch

nicolas07

heypacha

LouS

aussywatch

aussywatch

rolokr

MMMD

Larry S

tcs

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