Lets see your UG Tri-Compax

Tempus
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MarktheTime MarktheTime
So this just happened, and after last month’s post/acquisition, I swear it came out of complete left field. I got a totally unexpected message on Instagram inquiring about my potential interest in this grey slate dial “Exotic” Tri-Compax (reference 881101/03 ). “Um, YES PLEASE!!” I don’t think I’ve ever said this about any piece in my collection before - but its condition is as close to mint as any example I’ve ever seen of this reference. In fact, it’s heading straight to the spa for some TLC, since the seller/watchmaker in Idaho (!!) who reached out to me said he suspects it has never been serviced…and perhaps never even OPENED…in 50+ years. No toolmarks are evident on the pristine movement. Reference and serial numbers are clearly etched into the case back. The crystal is signed. The crown is correct, the dial and bezel are impeccable, and the case sparkles. And in the coming weeks, yes, it will be mounted onto a UG-signed Gay Freres bracelet. My new best friend in Idaho apparently was helping the nephew of its original owner who recently inherited it and wanted to monetize what he knew was a special piece. I couldn’t be more appreciative and excited that he thought of me, and found me worthy of being its next caretaker. Viva UG! 😀
Amazing catch...enjoy!
 
banders
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I couldn't be happier with this tri-compax I just picked up 😍 I never thought I'd get to own such a nice example

Suddenly I feel the need to buy a nice camera...

IMG_5298 copy.webp P1490076.webp P1480312.webp P1490073.webp P1480313.webp P1490078.webp
 
bgrisso
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banders banders
I couldn't be happier with this tri-compax I just picked up 😍 I never thought I'd get to own such a nice example

Suddenly I feel the need to buy a nice camera...

IMG_5298 copy.webp P1490076.webp P1480312.webp P1490073.webp P1480313.webp P1490078.webp
Outstanding!
 
Florent
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Outstanding piece with a highly appealing and rare dial, and original buckle. Congratulations!
 
Tempus
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What a superb example! Many watches have waned in my collection but never the Tri-Compax.
 
Drawrof
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This one is my first UG and first vintage in my 'collection' (and I'm afraid not the last). Have had it for less that a month and I'm still in awe of this mesmerizing dial...

RDT_20250101_2223256665999369814957926.webp
 
Florent
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Drawrof Drawrof
This one is my first UG and first vintage in my 'collection' (and I'm afraid not the last). Have had it for less that a month and I'm still in awe of this mesmerizing dial...

RDT_20250101_2223256665999369814957926.webp
Perfection... Congrats !
 
korneevy
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An early (circa 1945) Tri-Compax, steel case of 37.5mm that I added to the collection a few months back; really pleased with the watch so far and it is my week end wear almost on a regular.

UG Chrono 2024.webp
Edited:
 
bgrisso
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korneevy korneevy
An early (circa 1945) Tri-Compax, steel case of 37.5mm that I added to the collection a few months back; really pleased with the watch so far and it is my week end wear almost on a regular.

UG Chrono 2024.webp
Beautiful, congratulations! Is that a 22536? What is the case serial?
 
korneevy
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bgrisso bgrisso
Beautiful, congratulations! Is that a 22536? What is the case serial?
You've got a good eye! It is either ref 22536 or ref 22535, the stamping for the last number is inconclusive even under strong magnification; serial reads as 1247551. I've not been able to locate the same dial + case combo through my 2 years of research...a couple examples in Sala's book have some elements of it, such as the dial on ref 22541 that is very close (but not 100% identical to mine), paired with the case from 22536😀 UG Archives service are kaput and impossible to get any meaningful response from so probably need to wait for a couple of years for them to get their act together to learn more about this piece but its a lovely example with the fully original dial and still strong case so I think it will be a keeper for the next decade or so.

Serial and Case Numbers Photo Caseback.webp Sala Ref 22541.webp Sala Ref 22538 .webp
Edited:
 
bgrisso
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korneevy korneevy
You've got a good eye! It is either ref 22536 or ref 22535, the stamping for the last number is inconclusive even under strong magnification; serial reads as 1247551. I've not been able to locate the same dial + case combo through my 2 years of research...a couple examples in Sala's book have some elements of it, such as the dial on ref 22541 that is very close (but not 100% identical to mine), paired with the case from 22536😀 UG Archives service are kaput and impossible to get any meaningful response from so probably need to wait for a couple of years for them to get their act together to learn more about this piece but its a lovely example with the fully original dial and still strong case so I think it will be a keeper for the next decade or so.

Serial and Case Numbers Photo Caseback.webp Sala Ref 22541.webp Sala Ref 22538 .webp
That's a 22535 (which is larger than the 22536)
As you are probably aware the case reference does not dictate the dial/hands combinations, just the case.
Here's one from Bernardini which is just 1 serial away from yours !
Looks like same dial but silver instead of gold hands?
https://www.bernardinimilano.com/products/universal-geneve-tri-compax-19
Universal_Geneve_Tri_Compax_Rounded_Pushers_Ref__4.webp Universal_Geneve_Tri_Compax_Rounded_Pushers_Ref__2.webp
 
korneevy
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Wow 1 serial away. Thats pretty cool. I think the hands on the Bernardini example are also gold as they are on mine, its just the angle and lighting I think so they are identical in every way from what I can see. Nice find! I saw a bunch of watches there right after COVID in 2021 when the prices were still sane (relatively speaking) and he did/does have a lot of interesting stuff that are not even listed on his site. A nice fellow too, and makes some stiff negroni while he is at it😀



bgrisso bgrisso
That's a 22535 (which is larger than the 22536)
As you are probably aware the case reference does not dictate the dial/hands combinations, just the case.
Here's one from Bernardini which is just 1 serial away from yours !
Looks like same dial but silver instead of gold hands?
https://www.bernardinimilano.com/products/universal-geneve-tri-compax-19

Universal_Geneve_Tri_Compax_Rounded_Pushers_Ref__4.webp
 
korneevy
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Quite a good example in my opinion. The case is in a very good shape, strong lugs and some original factory bevels and brushing still there. Dial is may be 80%, some water damage along the edge that impacted the outer tachy but looks very original and can probably be cleaned up a little by a competent watch maker. Date disc likely needs replacing but the month, moonphase and all hands look good, and so is the movement. I'd jump on it if I didnt have the exact same model and if it sells at Eur 5-6K all in, it a good buy that can be slowly improved over time if so desired. Great find!


banders banders
As it happens another 22535 with the same dial just came up for auction:

https://veiling.goudwisselkantoor.n...iversal-geneve-tri-compax-22535-heren-horloge

1736203362536.webp 1736203400431.webp 1736203407837.webp
 
universemania
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24
Drawrof Drawrof
This one is my first UG and first vintage in my 'collection' (and I'm afraid not the last). Have had it for less that a month and I'm still in awe of this mesmerizing dial...

RDT_20250101_2223256665999369814957926.webp
Holy condition! 😍
 
magana_manuel
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238
banders banders
I couldn't be happier with this tri-compax I just picked up 😍 I never thought I'd get to own such a nice example

Suddenly I feel the need to buy a nice camera...

IMG_5298 copy.webp P1490076.webp P1480312.webp P1490073.webp P1480313.webp P1490078.webp
Wow such a beautiful piece, congratulations!!!
 
banders
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My new obsession, recently back from service

I picked this up a few months ago from an Auction house in Malmo, Sweden. The previous owner engraved their telephone number on the caseback in case the watch was ever lost (I guess they were an optimist).

Major shoutouts to @Mark020 for answering my questions about the watch and to @Florent and @bgrisso for helping me get it back to the US!

IMG_5510.webp IMG_5511.webp


Coincidentally, a very close relative of this watch just sold at Bonhams. Only 15 serial numbers away!
tri-dial-3.webp tri-dial-2.webp
Edited:
 
Larry S
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banders banders
My new obsession, recently back from service

I picked this up a few months ago from an Auction house in Malmo, Sweden. The previous owner engraved their telephone number on the caseback in case the watch was ever lost (I guess they were an optimist).

Major shoutouts to @Mark020 for answering my questions about the watch and to @Florent and @bgrisso for helping me get it back to the US!

IMG_5510.webp IMG_5511.webp


Coincidentally, a very close relative of this watch just sold at Bonhams. Only 15 serial numbers away!
tri-dial-3.webp tri-dial-2.webp
I love the caseback engraving!
 
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