Space Compax: How Many Versions?

LouS
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One of the most highly sought among the later UG V72-powered Compaxes is the Space Compax. It is also highly forged and frankened, so I thought it might be useful to reach a consensus regarding how many versions there are.

In my opinion, there are two executions

1st Generation (From Chuck Maddox's site): Big 12, white subdials

DSCN1829_640.jpg


2nd Generation (from Gianvittorio, multiple fora): All Black

uggvm2du5.jpg


Any additional versions? Is this basically correct?

Also, post one if you have one (and I know you do!)
 
Noodia
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Some period brochures





Here's what should be the 1st execution



and what should be the 2nd


credit : Jatucka

but as often with UG, it is unclear to me if we can really say there's a 1st and a 2nd execution, maybe they are alternate versions produced at the same time ?

In any case, although what we usually call the 2nd execution has never been seen on any period brochure, the general consensus is that it is legit and... beautiful !

cheers,

Laurent
 
LouS
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Thank you Laurent. The catalog illustrations are invaluable.

Noodia Noodia
but as often with UG, it is unclear to me if we can really say there's a 1st and a 2nd execution, maybe they are alternate versions produced at the same time ?

this is rather an important question, as a number of variants have appeared recently, and parts have been available on Ebay. I suspect a number of less-than-authentic frankens are now circulating and am inclined to stick to a relatively strict definition of authentic, especially with regard to the case.
 
SpaceCowboy
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I saw this sold one at a German Jeweller's. Do you guys think it's a franken?

Universal-Geneve-Space-Compax-Valjoux-72-Chronograph_art_5182_bild_gr_1342634455.jpg

I really liked that configuration. I am looking for a valjoux driven chrono and this caught my eye. Maybe the hands have been replaced and gone through a redial?
 
LouS
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I regard the piece as highly suspect - more fake than franken. Compare it with the one credited to Jatucka in Noodia's post above - that's the one it's trying to be. The printing of the hour markers is miserable quality and all of the hands are out of the miscellaneous parts bin - look closely and you'll find no two of these exactly alike. I recall a number of these cases with the angled lug ends and edge chamfers for sale on Ebay in 2009-2010 or thereabouts. Shortly afterwards these watches started to appear out of Germany and Belgium.

I'm interested to hear other people's opinions.
 
SpaceCowboy
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Thanks for the input, LouS!

I'm into blue dials, is the Compax you got the only one with a blue dial configuration?
 
LouS
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Unfortunately, also the German word for jeweler. Would limit your buying options in Germany...
 
U
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LouS LouS
Unfortunately, also the German word for jeweler. Would limit your buying options in Germany...

Yes, I know - but in this instance the Yiddish definition is more appropriate.
 
LouS
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No argument at all in this case
☕
 
LouS
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SpaceCowboy SpaceCowboy
Thanks for the input, LouS!

I'm into blue dials, is the Compax you got the only one with a blue dial configuration?

As far as I know. UG came to colored dials very late in their history, and did not produce many
 
Gavin
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LouS LouS
I regard the piece as highly suspect - more fake than franken. Compare it with the one credited to Jatucka in Noodia's post above - that's the one it's trying to be. The printing of the hour markers is miserable quality and all of the hands are out of the miscellaneous parts bin - look closely and you'll find no two of these exactly alike. I recall a number of these cases with the angled lug ends and edge chamfers for sale on Ebay in 2009-2010 or thereabouts. Shortly afterwards these watches started to appear out of Germany and Belgium.

I'm interested to hear other people's opinions.
So is it safe to say any variation different from the 2 that Laurent had posted are actually fakes? Saw this one with the angled lug ends.

$(KGrHqRHJEsFDMRcvUtSBQ1k4nyGsQ~~60_58.jpeg $(KGrHqN,!pMFC4W5OmDnBQ1k4+d0o!~~60_58.jpeg
 
LouS
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Gavin Gavin
So is it safe to say any variation different from the 2 that Laurent had posted are actually fakes? Saw this one with the angled lug ends.

12799 12800

A Space Compax with a diver on the back? Bwahahahaha!
That forger isn't even making an effort.

Just as fake as the one Maurice posted.
 
U
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We have flieger-divers for situations like this.....

planesunk.jpg


..... so why not a space diver? 😜
 
Gavin
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LouS LouS
A Space Compax with a diver on the back? Bwahahahaha!
That forger isn't even making an effort.

Just as fake as the one Maurice posted.
Come to think of it, I have not seen the caseback of one. Should it be plain?
 
LouS
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Here's a representative example of a 1st generation caseback from my photo library - sorry I can't remember the attribution.
Note the typical UG reference with the case number underneath.
p1040786p.jpg


It would be lovely if Noodia could confirm a plain caseback, since he actually has the watch.
 
Gavin
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LouS LouS
Here's a representative example of a 1st generation caseback from my photo library - sorry I can't remember the attribution.

Note the typical UG reference with the case number underneath. 12817



It would be lovely if Noodia could confirm a plain caseback, since he actually has the watch.
Thanks Lou.
 
Noodia
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LouS LouS
Here's a representative example of a 1st generation caseback from my photo library - sorry I can't remember the attribution.
Note the typical UG reference with the case number underneath. 12817

It would be lovely if Noodia could confirm a plain caseback, since he actually has the watch.

Confirmed,
this photos shows my actual SC
 
Ludi
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Noodia Noodia
Confirmed,
this photos shows my actual SC

... and what a lovable piece of watch this is !!! clooney15.gif

it has become so hard to get a legit one that I skiped UG from my wish list actually... Sad because this is a brand which truly deserves collectors full attention...

Bah, plenty of other fish in the ocean they say, isn't it ?!? 😉


Best regards - Fred
 
LouS
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Noodia Noodia
Confirmed,
this photos shows my actual SC

Ah! Beg pardon for not recognizing it! I'll be sure to add the attribution in my files
 
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