Universal Geneve Compax Enversteel circa 1950s just purchased from eBay

Hi guys. Just purchased this Universal Geneve Compax. Wanted some info. regarding the movement, dial, hands, etc.

What I have so far: It is a steel case, calibre 287 Universal manual wind movement. My guess is that the watch is from the early 1950s.

Looks quite correct from here (hands, dial, pushers, case, movement, reference number). You haven't given us a good view of the crown, but the profile looks promising and the crown should be unsigned from the factory. Nor have you shown us inside the caseback, which could help to date it based on the logo style. But your guess of the 1950s is reasonable.

Only correction is that it's an Universal Geneve Calibre 287 movement, not an Omega--surely a typo. This is the largest of the commonly used chrono movements from Universal, so this piece is a large size for its vintage.

Fit it with a new crystal and a careful, light brushing of the dial to remove lose debris, and this one may even clean up better than you expect.

Have the movement serviced by a chrono/Universal specialist and don't touch that case with a polishing wheel, no matter how tempting.

Welcome to the forums, and congrats on a nice pick-up.

Here's a picture of the caseback. Oh and the crown is unsigned.

Unsigned crowns can either be generic replacements, or original. The trick is knowing the approximate time period of your watch, as Universal began using signed crowns oh, say, in the 1960s, 70s and later.

The logo in the caseback was used, approximately, from 1937 to 1953.

Universal is one of the highest quality, yet undervalued, brands out there. Vintage watches are also a bit like a gateway drug. Once you've got one, look out for your wallet. You've been warned.

If this is your first watch, I'd say you did well. 👍

Tell me about it... I'm +3 UG's in less than 2 months. Does it get better over time? My wife is starting to ask questions...

Not good...