Universal Tri-Compax

timjohn · Jun 28, 2014

Hi, This is my first post on the Universal Forum. I inherited a Universal dress watch from my uncle and have kind of fallen in love with the brand. Was looking at an auction catalogue and came across this Tri-Compax. Unfortunately only have this slightly fuzzy picture. It the estimate is £2,500 - £3,000 ($4,250 - $5,100). Can anyone tell if it is original and if that is a reasonable price? Many thanks in advance.

rolokr · Jun 28, 2014

Need better pictures, is it solid 18k ? Dial looks original, if 18k seems like the price is in the right range.

timjohn · Jun 29, 2014

Many thanks -- they say it is 18k. Here's a (slightly) better pic.

woodwkr2 · Jun 29, 2014

Dial and hands look original to me. Case has definitely seen some polishing, and the crown is a replacement.

LouS · Jun 29, 2014

Agree it's original, but its pretty spotty. Given the condition of the dial, I'd say the estimate is on the high side. I'd put this in around USD3500.

Feinuhren · Jul 1, 2014

I totaly agree with LouS. The condition of the dial is not the best.

timjohn · Jul 2, 2014

Many thanks for all the advice. Part of me warms to a watch that has obviously seen a bit of life. A few years ago -- before I knew any better -- I succumbed to a watchsmith's advice to have a dial re-finished and it lost all its personality. Never again. bests

LouS · Jul 2, 2014

timjohn
A few years ago -- before I knew any better -- I succumbed to a watchsmith's advice to have a dial re-finished and it lost all its personality. Never again. bests

Amen to that

Feinuhren · Jul 2, 2014

Yes, I made the same experience. A refinished dial is never the same as the original. It is always better to find a watch with an original dial that looks still quite nice. When a dial is redone, the unique flavour is gone.