WTB-RCAF UG Chronograph

RCAFBuster · Sep 30, 2015

Dear Forum,

Many eyes make light work. I'm on the hunt for a Universal Geneve RCAF Single-pusher chronograph, like the one from Konrad Knirim's reference book.

If anyone has one, or knows the location of one for sale, please contact me soonest.

Thanks,
RCAFBuster

LarryG · Sep 30, 2015

Tall order, worthy acquisition.

RCAFBuster · Sep 30, 2015

Hi Larry,

It is my 'missing link', the last manufacturer that I'm missing to complete my RCAF Collection.

Cheers,
Buster

jordn · Sep 30, 2015

Unfortunately, that example from Dr. Knirim's book is a redial. I've never seen one for sale, but occasionally these casebacks come up for sale: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-G...99838-6W-16-/171303912483?hash=item27e2824423 I'm a bit suspicious of their authenticity, but the ref number is correct and the engravings look ok. Good luck with your search!

RCAFBuster · Sep 30, 2015

Hi Jordn,
I agree with it being a redial, as it should be 'sterile', but the trick is just to find one.
My watchmaker had a look at this caseback, and it is made up from a polrouter. Regrettably not authentic, eventhough the engravings follow the correct protocol. Bummer.
Buster

jordn · Sep 30, 2015

RCAFBuster
it should be 'sterile

Interesting... I've always taken it for granted that this example from Sala's book was presumably a correct dial, but after a closer look this one is an obvious redial as well. Beyond the fact that it's not "sterile", the fonts are very inconsistent

RCAFBuster · Sep 30, 2015

It is tough to comment with the photo quality, and black and white. The face looks a bit 'white' and the numbers a bit too black, where I'd expect a nice slight patina to both. could just be the picture. The hands look like the nice early versions I've got on Candino and Rodana models. Early pieces usually had the smaller pushers too.

That said, I'd gladly take a re-dial example just so it would stand out amongst the others.

Buster

genghis · Sep 30, 2015

Hi Buster,

I thought you had them all, even the Wittnauer?! You need to 'sacrifice' some RCAF Omega's to this little lamb before the Universal gates in Heaven can open. I will keep my eyes open for your missing link, brother. Best, -Khurram

RCAFBuster · Sep 30, 2015

Hi Khurram,
I've only just landed the Wittnauer. I'm hoping that all of my 'clean living' will be enough to open the UG gates without having to resort to Omega sales, hehe..
Cheers,
Buster

timjohn · Sep 30, 2015

This came up in July...

https://omegaforums.net/threads/universal-uni-compax-uni-pusher.27198/

another redial, but it must be based on something

RCAFBuster · Sep 30, 2015

I completely missed this one. does anyone have info on the sale house or who won it? I'd like to get in touch.
Cheers,
Buster

timjohn · Sep 30, 2015

http://encheres.lefigaro.fr/catalog...I-COMPAX,-ref.-224121,-n-1699_lot_FDC4194811/

RCAFBuster · Sep 30, 2015

Thanks, I'm on the scent.
Buster

woodwkr2 · Oct 8, 2015

jordn
Interesting... I've always taken it for granted that this example from Sala's book was presumably a correct dial, but after a closer look this one is an obvious redial as well. Beyond the fact that it's not "sterile", the fonts are very inconsistent

Other than your noted inconsistency with fonts, what leads you to conclude this example from UG's own archive is a redial?

RCAFBuster · Oct 8, 2015

The 'standard' format dial is the first one from Konrad's book, with just stick markers at the seconds. The one is Saba's book actually has a seconds subscale printed onto the dial. I've not seen another issued RCAF Chronograph with the seconds (numbers) included on the dial. I would also think that UG would only use one format across all of them produced under their contract.
Buster

jordn · Oct 9, 2015

woodwkr2
Other than your noted inconsistency with fonts, what leads you to conclude this example from UG's own archive is a redial?

Hey welcome back! 😀

Regarding my comment about the font, I was speaking specifically about the numerals at the hour markers and how much of a complete departure they are from the ones generally found on RCAF dials and the fact that they don't seem to be up to UG specs. In contrast, the logo and sub-registers markings do look correct in typical UG fashion, but as Buster astutely pointed out, it is tough to evaluate this grainy black and white photo. Given my lack of knowledge on the provenance of this particular reference, however, perhaps it wasn't wise to say it's an "obvious" redial :whipped:

. Is it possible that UG was just given some freedom to design their own dial?

RCAFBuster · Oct 20, 2015

Quick as a flash, the auction houses have failed to respond. So still trying to track down the consignor of the unsold UG.
Buster

DLF · Jul 16, 2019

RCAFBuster
Dear Forum,

Many eyes make light work. I'm on the hunt for a Universal Geneve RCAF Single-pusher chronograph, like the one from Konrad Knirim's reference book.

If anyone has one, or knows the location of one for sale, please contact me soonest.

Thanks,
RCAFBuster

I have one

RCAFBuster · Jul 16, 2019

Hi DLF,
Thank you for your message.
I love to hear of the UG details, see photos of the dial, movement and inner and outer caseback.
Sincerely,
Buster

DLF · Jul 16, 2019

RCAFBuster
Hi DLF,
Thank you for your message.
I love to hear of the UG details, see photos of the dial, movement and inner and outer caseback.
Sincerely,
Buster