Recommendation to service 1950s Tri Compax

bgrisso
Posts
3,472
Likes
8,067
As I mentioned in the other thread, strap size is reference specific, not just based on case size. I believe a 12296 takes a 20mm strap. However it also depends on the brand somewhat as there are variations in accuracy of the actual strap size. So if you google this ref you will see 18mm, 19mm, and 20mm straps being used.

you are better off measuring your own watch in hand with calipers
 
8FB37211-9AEC-48C1-B696-602771FC7BDC.jpeg C62035DB-13B3-47A1-89FD-D685BE6295DD.jpeg
paulmiami
Posts
63
Likes
75
Larry S Larry S
Def yellow gold. Are the any markings on the band?
The watch is off at Rik Dietel’s shop. He thinks the watch may be rose gold. The band definitely looks yellow gold.
 
paulmiami
Posts
63
Likes
75
Larry here are some photos of the watch while it’s being serviced. It had a broken hour reset spring, crown wheel and cannon pinion. Also one of the pins for the pushers was missing. My watchmaker is making it. You can see in the second photo that we only have one. Must have fallen and gotten lost when someone opened up the case. If you know where I may find one, please let me know. The hands all look original to my untrained eye. There is one photo in Sala’s book with a second hand like mine. But I remember you thought they may have been replaced,

IMG_6767.webp IMG_4848.webp IMG_4849.webp
 
IMG_4855.mov - 15.2 MB
Larry S
Posts
13,457
Likes
52,945
At this point in time, fabrication is the best option. I’d imagine that RGM would follow a similar path. Gonna keep Rik in mind. Sounds like a good watchmaker option.
 
paulmiami
Posts
63
Likes
75
Yes. Blake at Scotchwatch in Texas has been terrific sourcing the more complicated parts that we needed, but he doesn’t have the pusher. Luckily it’s something that can more easily be replicated vs gears and odd shaped springs.
 
paulmiami
Posts
63
Likes
75
paulmiami paulmiami
Yes. Blake at Scotchwatch in Texas has been terrific sourcing the more complicated parts that we needed, but he doesn’t have the pusher. Luckily it’s something that can more easily be replicated vs gears and odd shaped springs.
Larry,

My watchmaker that works mostly on new and vintage Rolex could not get my Tri-Compax working properly. He took it all apart, made the pushers that were missing, replaced several parts that were broken, etc. But it still doesn't run reliably and the chrono gets stuck.

In his words, the watch is worn out. But it could also be that he's not very familiar with the UG 481 chronos. The watch has been in a safe since 1995, so it was only used for 45 years from 1950 to 1995.

You recommended RGM Watch and MJ Watch in the past. And there is also Blake from Scotchwatch in Texas that seems to have many of the parts that I needed and I understand he has experience with these.

This is an important heirloom for me that I really would like to get working.

Given all this, who would you send it to? I'm not in a rush and I don't mind paying up to make sure this is done right.
 
paulmiami
Posts
63
Likes
75
paulmiami paulmiami
Larry,

My watchmaker that works mostly on new and vintage Rolex could not get my Tri-Compax working properly. He took it all apart, made the pushers that were missing, replaced several parts that were broken, etc. But it still doesn't run reliably and the chrono gets stuck.

In his words, the watch is worn out. But it could also be that he's not very familiar with the UG 481 chronos. The watch has been in a safe since 1995, so it was only used for 45 years from 1950 to 1995.

You recommended RGM Watch and MJ Watch in the past. And there is also Blake from Scotchwatch in Texas that seems to have many of the parts that I needed and I understand he has experience with these.

This is an important heirloom for me that I really would like to get working.

Given all this, who would you send it to? I'm not in a rush and I don't mind paying up to make sure this is done right.
Larry, bgrisso and SouthTexas, you all have been incredibly helpful. Thank you. The watch is with Blake and he’s making excellent progress. Lesson learned that these old UGs need to go to a specialist. I wasted 2 years with a great Rolex watchmaker. Guess same thing would happen if I took a vintage MG or Alpha Romeo to a Porsche mechanic. Cautiously optimistic that I finally get this running properly.
 
paulmiami
Posts
63
Likes
75
Almost done. Blake Scott of Scotchwatch has everything working again. Multiple parts replaced, multiple screws were missing or incorrect, undersized mainspring … Now he’s just fine tuning it over the weekend. Should have it by Father’s Day.

DSC02449.webp DSC02211.webp DSC02216.webp DSC02287.webp
 
bgrisso
Posts
3,472
Likes
8,067
paulmiami paulmiami
Almost done. Blake Scott of Scotchwatch has everything working again. Multiple parts replaced, multiple screws were missing or incorrect, undersized mainspring … Now he’s just fine tuning it over the weekend. Should have it by Father’s Day.

DSC02449.webp DSC02211.webp DSC02216.webp DSC02287.webp
almost there !
 
paulmiami
Posts
63
Likes
75
Thanks to all on the forum for the excellent advice and to Blake Scott for his brilliant watchmaking skills. Everything works like it did 75 years ago. The marks on the dial are barely visible and it’s more silver than in the photos. Also the hour and minute hands look better than the photos. Added a Harry Winston deployment clasp that I picked up on eBay.

IMG_2122.webp IMG_2123.webp IMG_2126.webp IMG_2125.webp IMG_2129.webp IMG_2128.webp IMG_2127.webp
 
bgrisso
Posts
3,472
Likes
8,067
paulmiami paulmiami
Thanks to all on the forum for the excellent advice and to Blake Scott for his brilliant watchmaking skills. Everything works like it did 75 years ago. The marks on the dial are barely visible and it’s more silver than in the photos. Also the hour and minute hands look better than the photos. Added a Harry Winston deployment clasp that I picked up on eBay.

IMG_2122.webp IMG_2123.webp IMG_2126.webp IMG_2125.webp IMG_2129.webp IMG_2128.webp IMG_2127.webp
congratulations, it looks great ! Glad you finally got everything sorted, hope you can just enjoy it now.
 
Sign up or log in to reply...