Tri-compax = Four Subdials

LouS
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Across the watch fora, one very often sees a chronograph with three subdials being described as having a "tri-compax layout." That's like fingernails on a chalkboard for a UG fan (or for me anyway). Because here's a Tri-Compax:
A9B73CA4-5E1C-44C6-B749-50CA3C765203-13357-0000140D2A6C0794.jpg

It's got four subdials. So why "Tri?" Because for UG, "compax" referred to the number of complications, not the number or layout of subdials. The Tri-Compax was a watch with three complications - chronograph, complete calendar and moonphase.

Pedantry? Perhaps, but if you care about vintage watches, you care about authenticity and originality, and a three-dialer ain't no tri-compax.

xDSC_0024.jpg

xxDSC_0030.jpg

xDSC_0112.jpg

xDSC_0200.jpg

xDSC_0034.jpg

xDSC_0072.jpg

Post 'em if you got 'em!
 
Gavin
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NIce.🥰 Unfortunately, no UG for me for now. Just lost an auction for a nice original polerouter.
 
dsio
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LouS LouS
Across the watch fora, one very often sees a chronograph with three subdials being described as having a "tri-compax layout." That's like fingernails on a chalkboard for a UG fan (or for me anyway). Because here's a Tri-Compax:
A9B73CA4-5E1C-44C6-B749-50CA3C765203-13357-0000140D2A6C0794.jpg

It's got four subdials. So why "Tri?" Because for UG, "compax" referred to the number of complications, not the number or layout of subdials. The Tri-Compax was a watch with three complications - chronograph, complete calendar and moonphase.

Pedantry? Perhaps, but if you care about vintage watches, you care about authenticity and originality, and a three-dialer ain't no tri-compax.

xDSC_0024.jpg

xxDSC_0030.jpg

xDSC_0112.jpg

xDSC_0200.jpg

xDSC_0034.jpg

xDSC_0072.jpg

Post 'em if you got 'em!
Now that... is cool!
 
U
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Aaaaah, this is music to my ears! I also find the misuse of tricompax grating. Omega Forums - dispelling myths and spreading truth.

Thanks Lou!

Now can you start a thread about the correct use of the word "deployant" for a folding watch clasp and "deployment" for when your unit gets shipped out to war? 😜
 
kyle L
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Sweet UGs! I will have to consider adding some sort of UG Chrono to my wishlist. 👍
 
dsio
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Big question:

What is the price range for these, and what model is the Zenith A386 of Tri-Compax's
 
LouS
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Space compax is not a tri-compax. Only one complication, see?
 
U
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LouS LouS
Space compax is not a tri-compax. Only one complication, see?

Shows you how much I know about UG. 😬 😜
 
LouS
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dsio dsio
Big question:

What is the price range for these, and what model is the Zenith A386 of Tri-Compax's

There are dozens - perhaps hundreds - of references of Tri-compax. The model was in continuous production from the forties into the seventies in both gold and steel. I don't think there is any single reference that enjoys the instant recognition or dominance of the A 386 among the early el Primeros.Price varies from about $3000 to more than $6000 depending on all the factors that such things depend upon - personal preference, scarcity, condition...
 
dsio
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btw Lou check the PM about the UG's
 
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