Just picked up this Unver on eBay

bgrisso
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Thought it was a nice little chrono. Chrome, and the plating is damaged in places, but overall, not in too bad shape. Keeping good time and the chrono reset is snappy and correct. Needs the right band (just threw something on I had), but I kind of like it for a beater.
Not a bargain at $475 USD, but not terrible either I hope. One of my cheapest watches, kind of nice to wear something and not be concerned about it at all.
Some pretty deep scratches on the plastic, needs a polish.
Don't know much about Unver except it's a discount brand under Universal, is that right?
Any feedback appreciated.
Wasn't sure if the silver chrono sweep is correct, having a hard time finding any comparison photos.
seller says the movement is a valjoux 22
 
P1000658.JPG P1000659.JPG P1000660.JPG P1000661.JPG s-l1600.jpg
X350 XJR
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I am unaware of any connection to Universal Genève.

Cool looking watch nonetheless, but a bit steep for a chrome/rhodium plated case "un-branded" chrono.
 
gop76
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Despite all the claims i never found any evidence of a relation between Unver and UG.

Nice watch. Congrats
 
bgrisso
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I have read in a few places online that Unver was a registered trademark of Universal Geneve. In retrospect I see that these were in sale adds, so doesn't really mean anything. Googling online there seems to be a bit of a debate as to a link, but it also seems clear that no one has provided any evidence of any link.
 
10H10
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bgrisso bgrisso
I have read in a few places online that Unver was a registered trademark of Universal Geneve. In retrospect I see that these were in sale adds, so doesn't really mean anything. Googling online there seems to be a bit of a debate as to a link, but it also seems clear that no one has provided any evidence of any link.
Unver has nothing to do with Universal.
 
kreyke
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Not sure if it matters but the subdials looks like it’s been refinished.
 
bgrisso
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kreyke kreyke
Not sure if it matters but the subdials looks like it’s been refinished.

please expand on your thoughts
 
Dial & Bezel
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I was looking at a piece by Unver with a Valjoux 92 earlier this year. I did some research but didn't find a connection between Unver and UG. Just thought you might wanna know. 😉
 
kreyke
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bgrisso bgrisso
please expand on your thoughts
Do you have close up photos of the subdial? It seems like the markers bleed onto the main dial.
 
bgrisso
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vintagechrono vintagechrono
Movement is a Venus 150

I believe you, good sir, are correct. I did not look at the movement carefully and just took the seller at face value. Part of what attracted me to the watch was the Val 22 movement, and the ebay posting explicitly states it as being a Valjoux 22.

Am I correct in the idea that a venus 150 would be less desirable and less valuable?

Anyone else more familiar with Valjoux 22 vs Venus 150 care to confirm this is a Venus, before I start negotiations (in German). Listing has no returns but if the movement is misidentified I assume that should give me an out.
 
kreyke
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bgrisso bgrisso
Am I correct in the idea that a venus 150 would be less desirable and less valuable?

Yeah. Quite significantly. Did he say the dial is original too?
 
bgrisso
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Original seller description in German, will include google translation below. I defer to the consensus of the forum as per the dial, I am not convinced it's a redial at the moment. I'm at work but will try to post close up photos of sub dial later today....

Brand: Unver

Movement: Hand wind Valjoux 22

Housing: metal

Bathing: stainless steel

Glass: Plexi

Bracelet: leather

Casing size: approx. 37 mm without crown

Condition: The watch is in good condition and runs perfectly

I guarantee for the authenticity of this watch.

The original pictures are part of the description.
This watch is sold in the state as shown
 
kreyke
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Well if tha is what he states, then eBay/paypal should cover you perfectly.
 
bgrisso
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Yah I've never disputed an intl ebay purchase, interesting to see how this works. I wonder if we will get into an argument about how to identify a Venus 150 vs Valjoux 22? I imagine the seller might offer me a steep discount to keep it. Can't say I'm particularly interested in keeping, it seemed like a reasonable deal to pick up a Val 22 mvmt inside an oversized case with a fully operational vintage chrono, but it seems less and less appealing.
 
X350 XJR
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The biggest tell is the balance bridge. But really quite dissimilar when compared side by side.

V22

Valjoux_22.jpg


Venus 150

Venus_150.jpg
 
bgrisso
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Seller paid for return shipping and I received a full refund.
Many thanks to everyone on this forum for their advice.
Two lessons learned...
1) don't believe random sales talk without verification (Unver was part of UG)
2) don't believe the Cal is accurately identified without visual verification
thx!
Ben
 
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