Late Model Tri-compax

LouS
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n another thread, Ash asked what is the A 386 of Tri-Compaxes - in other words, what is the most representative, or iconic Tri-Compax? Answering that question is complicated - impossible, really - because UG produced the Tri-Compax in a vast number of versions from 1944 when it was born to whenever continuous production died - presumably some time in the early 1970s. Put under pressure, though, I'd have to answer the late model, twisted lug cased Tri-Compaxes in steel. They have a robust, modern look, easy to adjust to after looking at Speedmasters especially. I will caution those of you used to looking at Speedmasters that in the Tri-Compaxes, you are looking at a 35mm case - call it 36mm if you factor in the bezel. There are about half a dozen different dials all in the same case, with or without external bezel. The two most common are the panda and reverse panda dials. These would be my picks for the iconic Tri-Compax.

The Panda
53292259-8568-4da4-a07a-e2e964682e01_zps8bffe49d.jpg

The Reverse Panda
114ebb24-b4d4-4eef-ace7-4a965d53b807_zpsda994c1c.jpg

Agree, disagree?

Also, post your own twisted lug tri-Compax. Let's see if we can collect all the references in one thread.
 
U
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Two excellent watches. I think I like the panda just a smidge more.
 
dsio
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U ulackfocus
Two excellent watches. I think I like the panda just a smidge more.
Me too, the light dial looks great... What's the price range likely to be on one of these two?
 
Sherbie
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I can see their merits, but its the original 1940s Tri-Compax's that win my vote as "iconic" model

each to their own, thankfully

cheers, Paul
 
dsio
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Sherbie Sherbie
I can see their merits, but its the original 1940s Tri-Compax's that win my vote as "iconic" model

each to their own, thankfully

cheers, Paul
I guess the other thing is water/dust proofing, I'm guessing the 1940s ones aren't even dustproof and have had a lot of dials damaged by moisture while the 60s ones are probably a little more resistant?
 
Sherbie
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Are the vintage UG tri-compax any different from any other 1930-50s vintage watches, or am I missing something?

cheers, Paul
 
dsio
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The Tri-compax's have a lot more points for entry for water, that said given they specialise in that type of watch its possible they also knew more about how to seal them up than others did, but I really don't know one way or the other
 
Sherbie
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I know mine has a 3 part case, and that the bezel ring can rotate, which is probably not ideal, and in truth, I,m nervous that it will fall off sometime.

Does anyone know if the bezel ring can be tightened up or realigned?

cheers, Paul
 
LouS
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U ulackfocus
Two excellent watches. I think I like the panda just a smidge more.

I agree with you. For me, Panda pretty consistently beats Reverse Panda, other aspects being equal.
images.jpg revimages.jpg


dsio dsio
Me too, the light dial looks great... What's the price range likely to be on one of these two?

Some samples for you from the interwebs - all BIN, so figure a true auction would end with a lower price...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHRONOGRAPH...167327420?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3ccec928bc
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-G...126650538?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3a785096aa
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-G...066657525?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3cc8c90ef5

Add a premium for the UG-pattern GF bracelet like the last one has

dsio dsio
The Tri-compax's have a lot more points for entry for water, that said given they specialise in that type of watch its possible they also knew more about how to seal them up than others did, but I really don't know one way or the other

these later ones at least have water resistant pushers, as opposed to the rectangular pushers of many of the earlier models.

Sherbie Sherbie
I know mine has a 3 part case, and that the bezel ring can rotate, which is probably not ideal, and in truth, I,m nervous that it will fall off sometime.

Does anyone know if the bezel ring can be tightened up or realigned?

cheers, Paul

Pics, sir, Pics!
 
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LouS
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And here's a version without the external bezel with a silver dial - this one can be had with or without a tachymeter on the dial

DSC_0037.jpg
 
Noodia
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Some more pics to participate to the party,

seems we share the same tastes Lou...



interestingly, the dial finish might look different depending on light reflection



same version with tachymeter scale on the dial



and just to have an idea how broad could be the number of dial variations, another dial execution (ref pic no credit, sorry)



the late one



the pin corrector are a wonderful details to look at



these twisted lugs cases fully express IMO one of the UG key feature, elegance, they offer something really magic at wrist





they are highly rewarding watches to own and wear



Best,

Laurent
 
LouS
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Noodia Noodia
Some more pics to participate to the party,
Best,

Laurent

Well, that left me reeling! A spectacular portfolio of images! Thank you for that.

U ulackfocus
Allen Edmonds Bentons?

...and Dennis fixates on the shoes.
::facepalm1::
 
U
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LouS LouS
...and Dennis fixates on the shoes.
::facepalm1::

'cause I don't know him well enough to start haranguing him to sell me one of his watches.

(gotta make a little small talk first 😉)
 
SpaceCowboy
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Love this thread! Should we make a similar one for the Compax models also? I am not used to four subdials yet... 😬
 
MMMD
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LouS LouS
We arrready got one!
tumblr_lp2pfjY08o1qjcv3k.gif

Oh, yes, iz vairy niice!

Your mother was a Hamilton and your father smelt of Elgin-berries!
 
vacheroyale
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LouS LouS
n another thread, Ash asked what is the A 386 of Tri-Compaxes - in other words, what is the most representative, or iconic Tri-Compax? Answering that question is complicated - impossible, really - because UG produced the Tri-Compax in a vast number of versions from 1944 when it was born to whenever continuous production died - presumably some time in the early 1970s. Put under pressure, though, I'd have to answer the late model, twisted lug cased Tri-Compaxes in steel. They have a robust, modern look, easy to adjust to after looking at Speedmasters especially. I will caution those of you used to looking at Speedmasters that in the Tri-Compaxes, you are looking at a 35mm case - call it 36mm if you factor in the bezel. There are about half a dozen different dials all in the same case, with or without external bezel. The two most common are the panda and reverse panda dials. These would be my picks for the iconic Tri-Compax.

The Panda
53292259-8568-4da4-a07a-e2e964682e01_zps8bffe49d.jpg

The Reverse Panda
114ebb24-b4d4-4eef-ace7-4a965d53b807_zpsda994c1c.jpg

Agree, disagree?

Also, post your own twisted lug tri-Compax. Let's see if we can collect all the references in one thread.

LouS LouS
n another thread, Ash asked what is the A 386 of Tri-Compaxes - in other words, what is the most representative, or iconic Tri-Compax? Answering that question is complicated - impossible, really - because UG produced the Tri-Compax in a vast number of versions from 1944 when it was born to whenever continuous production died - presumably some time in the early 1970s. Put under pressure, though, I'd have to answer the late model, twisted lug cased Tri-Compaxes in steel. They have a robust, modern look, easy to adjust to after looking at Speedmasters especially. I will caution those of you used to looking at Speedmasters that in the Tri-Compaxes, you are looking at a 35mm case - call it 36mm if you factor in the bezel. There are about half a dozen different dials all in the same case, with or without external bezel. The two most common are the panda and reverse panda dials. These would be my picks for the iconic Tri-Compax.

The Panda
53292259-8568-4da4-a07a-e2e964682e01_zps8bffe49d.jpg

The Reverse Panda
114ebb24-b4d4-4eef-ace7-4a965d53b807_zpsda994c1c.jpg

Agree, disagree?

Also, post your own twisted lug tri-Compax. Let's see if we can collect all the references in one thread.


just curious......your tri-compax "Panda Dial", does it have the tiny "U" etched in the middle of the crystal (centered with the hr/minute hands)? my "panda dial" doesn't have that "U" , but the reversed panda it does have it. thanks !
 
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