| Author | Message | ||
     Stephenfb New member Username: Stephenfb Post Number: 1 Registered: 08-2010 Rating: N/A |
I am assisting a friend with researching her late father's watch. It is a Universal Geneve with a Masonic Emblem at the 12 o'clock mark. The band is 18K gold mesh but has a logo with a crown over a shield. Within the shield is the letter M. A jeweler removed the back which has the 18K gold mark. The movement is Cal. 291. The movement also shows Universal Watch Co., while the case back has the Universal Geneve mark. I wound the watch slightly and it still works, despite being stored away for some years. Case serial number: 947380 stamped above 11303 Movement serial number: 190777 Based on the serial number, I think this watch may have been produced in 1943, per a chart posted online. I have three questions: (1) Can you identify the maker of the 18K Gold Mesh Band by its stamp? (2) Is it better to restore this watch prior to offering it for sale or to leave it in its current condition? (3) What approximate value would such a watch have in either condition?      | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 4726 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
I think that dial has already been refinished, in order to get the Masonic symbol on it. So I don't think the Masonic sign is one that came from the factory, so you could restore it and not lose value. If sold these in the past in running shape with nice original dial for 1800-2200. Yours without the bracelet would probably be around $1200-1300. Not a lot of people are that thrilled with taking on restoration project these days. The bracelet, I do not know the maker sorry. Unless it's factory, it's value is that of the gold, so all in all, ballpark you have about $2000 as it is. | ||
| Stephenfb New member Username: Stephenfb Post Number: 2 Registered: 08-2010 Rating: N/A |
Zaf, thank you for your quick response. I'll pass your comments over to the owner. Best regards! | ||
| Leonlecoultre New member Username: Leonlecoultre Post Number: 2 Registered: 05-2009 Rating: N/A |
The ring around the date subregister is a dead giveaway of a redial and poorly done and I'm fairly sure the subseconds hand has been replaced. It also looks like there is a lot of wear to the case at 9:00. All in all still a very collectible watch, without the band I'd value it at around $800, it needs a lot of work to restore it to it's former glory, probably over a grand worth. |