Thoughts on this Universal Geneve Compur?

[Arlen]

Just came across this superb example from one of my favorite brands and eras of chronographs (1940's). Beautiful dial and blue steeled hands in nearly NOS condition, at a nice size of 37mm.










I have a few questions for the experts:

• How is the UG 287 Cal. movement?
  
• The shop told me they had 2-3 experts look at the watch and confirmed it's likely original and not refinished. What are your thoughts? Could it be a service dial?
  
• The springbars appear to be fixed. Was this done after the fact (welded) or could it have come from the factory like this?
  
• What would you think would be a fair price for a piece like this, in that sort of condition?

Thanks so much.

[Rockrolex]

Not for me for at least a couple of reasons:

1. It's not an automatic. I'm not partial to manual winds.

2. I don't need another chrono. I've got more than enough now and I almost never use that function.

But, hey, if you like it, then go with it.

[FTX I]

Element in Time is a great store to deal with. I bought two watches there and they are a good example of a legit place on 47th street. About the watch, I have seen many Universal with the same caliber and with a large variant of dials and this one in particular seems too good to be original. Service dial is a good guess. I, too, love Universal and own some vintage pieces, especially because of the microrotor and the SAS connection. If the price is acceptable I'd be really happy to own this one here. My 2c. Good luck.

[Arlen]

Originally Posted by FTX I

Element in Time is a great store to deal with. I bought two watches there and they are a good example of a legit place on 47th street. About the watch, I have seen many Universal with the same caliber and with a large variant of dials and this one in particular seems too good to be original. Service dial is a good guess. I, too, love Universal and own some vintage pieces, especially because of the microrotor and the SAS connection. If the price is acceptable I'd be really happy to own this one here. My 2c. Good luck.

Thanks for your input. Yeah their communication has been great, and I trust their reputation. How would it being a service dial affect the price? Their rep said this regarding the dial:

"To the extent of our knowledge yes [it's original]. We had it looked at by 2 or 3 experts and is was confirmed as original."

The price is very good. I would expect a piece like this, in this exceptional condition and in a decent size like 37mm to go for at least $5K, but I could get it for closer to $3.5K.

[D111s]

Very nice! I do like these watches, there's just something about them.

[MILGAUSS88]

Pretty sure the dial is redone. Does not look right to me.
Especially considering condition of the back of the case and movement.
I am not use to the NYC market, but I think I could purchase that for less than 1/3 of that.
Should be able to pick up a Tri-compax with moon phase for that type of money.

[SearChart]

Looks good to me, be aware though that it doesn't have a shock system, so the balance pivots are particularly vulnerable.

[zama]

Looks nice, have known some fans of vintage manual wind Chrono's apparently they are expensive and need regular service but I am guessing you already know that.

[zama]

We have this one for sale here in Australia. Prices are $A so under US$4K so quite similar.

http://www.vintagewatchco.com.au/Pro...ProductID/1134