What do I have here;

nickgr · Feb 25, 2020

Hello,
I bought this Universal Geneve Compax from a friend of mine, yesterday.

The reference number is 698.400 and it has also the number 175800 written in the back. I think it's from the 90's right; I did search the forum for more information, but it seems that there isn't much discussion about this reference(at least I haven't found any post discussing this watch) What information do you have about this watch, and generally for Universal Geneve chronographs in the 90's; Are they considered to be good watches and interesting enough to have in someone's collection; Thank you😉

Larry S · Feb 25, 2020

Not unattractive but very little collector interest. UG had “ jumped the shark” by this time.

FBPB · Feb 25, 2020

Like a lot of Swiss watch companies, Universal Geneve was once at the forefront of watch making, but was on life support in the 80s after the quartz crisis. It was purchased by a Hong Kong investment company in the 90s. It's still a going concern, and still based in Geneva, it's sister brand is Cyma. Like some Swiss watch brands, they likely have a better following in Eastern Europe / Russia and Asia, but not so much in the West.

Your watch is likely running a Lemania or ETA movement, or something of the sort. Not a bad watch, but as mentioned, little collector value. But if you like it, who cares ?

nickgr · Feb 26, 2020

Larry S
Not unattractive but very little collector interest. UG had “ jumped the shark” by this time.

F FBPB
Like a lot of Swiss watch companies, Universal Geneve was once at the forefront of watch making, but was on life support in the 80s after the quartz crisis. It was purchased by a Hong Kong investment company in the 90s. It's still a going concern, and still based in Geneva, it's sister brand is Cyma. Like some Swiss watch brands, they likely have a better following in Eastern Europe / Russia and Asia, but not so much in the West.

Your watch is likely running a Lemania or ETA movement, or something of the sort. Not a bad watch, but as mentioned, little collector value. But if you like it, who cares ?

Thank you very much for your answers. I knew of course that especially in comparison with the vintage Universal Genève watches, this hasn’t much collector value, but I bought it because I like it😀 By the way it’s movement is probably a Valjoux 7750😉

FBPB · Feb 26, 2020

nickgr
Thank you very much for your answers. I knew of course that especially in comparison with the vintage Universal Genève watches, this hasn’t much collector value, but I bought it because I like it😀 By the way it’s movement is probably a Valjoux 7750😉

If you like it, wear it! And, er, a Valjoux 7750 from the 90s is an ETA 😉

nickgr · Feb 26, 2020

F FBPB
If you like it, wear it! And, er, a Valjoux 7750 from the 90s is an ETA 😉

You are absolutely right 😀

nickgr · Feb 26, 2020

By the way, is there a way to date this watch;

Wryfox · Feb 26, 2020

Not collectible = Great looking but cheap.

I'd buy that all day long. Its my cup of tea.

Larry S · Feb 26, 2020

This you could probably get a date from UG. Extracts are a joke mostly but they might be able to provide that.

nickgr · Feb 26, 2020

Larry S
This you could probably get a date from UG. Extracts are a joke mostly but they might be able to provide that.

Good idea, thanks for the tip, I will contact them and see what they will tell me😉

nickgr · Feb 27, 2020

I got today a reply from Universal Geneve:

"
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your interest and request regarding your Universal Genève timepiece.
Please find some available information about your Universal Genève model:

Type of watch: Wristwatch

Model: Compax

Movement number: UG 98

Calibre: Movement calibre UG 98 automatic with date, chronograph, base Valjoux 7750

Case number: 689.400

Serial number : ?

Date of manufacture: 1991

Case: In stainless steel and gold plated bezel.

Dial: Black with applied bar index. Gold graphics. Tachymeter scale based on 1000.

Dial, case and movement signed.

We are staying at your entire disposal for any further information you may need.

Hoping to have been of assistance, we remain

Sincerely yours, "

So this watch is one year younger than me😀 This is the closest to a birth watch I have own😁

One interesting information I noticed, is that they state that the bezel is gold-plated. I thought that this was solid gold. I certainly doesn't look to me gold plated and also some small dings that this bezel has, they have the same color as the rest of the bezel. What do you think;

What do I have here;

nickgr

Larry S

FBPB

nickgr

FBPB

nickgr

nickgr

Wryfox

Larry S

nickgr

nickgr

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