Universal Chrono..Broken??!

[fatherjacob]

Hi, i recently purchased a lovely old Universal Tri Compax(been after this watch for some years now) and paid what i thought was a fair price ..only thing is i think i may have been too excited when purchasing the watch ,and not checked that all the functions are working correctly:-s I now find that the Hour recorder at 6 o'clock wont reset with the other has ,but continuously records the hours,and also the seems to be an internal part which has broken off! if you see the photo the part would have stretched across where you can read "481" on the movement.I'm a complete novice on chronographs ,but do have a thing for them:roll: ..is there anyone who knows what this part would have been used for ?is it related to the hour register problem? ..Should i just junk the watch ,or is it repairable? Any help would be well received|>

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w297/fatherjacob/DSC_0002.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w297/fatherjacob/DSC_0006.jpg

[JimH]

The watch is certainly repairable. The part that is broken is the Minute Recording Jumper (#8270) for the 30 minute version of the Universal 481 movement. This part helps align the minute recorder hand with the indices on the dial (you will notice that yours isn't quite on). This part should be available from a watch supply house like Jules Borel or Otto Frei.

The problem with the hour recorder would indicate some problem with the hour recorder clutch/reset mechanism. This is under the dial. Parts should also be available to fix this problem if needed.

Since the watch exhibits these problems it is also probably in need of a complete service along with the repair.

If you choose to "junk" the watch please send it to me! ;<)

[JohnF]

Hi -

No!!! Me first! :-)

Seriously, thank you JimH for identifying that part and the problem: great work!

And I can only underscore what JimH says: it should be worked on ASAP. This is quite a lovely watch from an excellent historical company and should be treasured...

JohnF

[fatherjacob]

Wow!! thanks JimH , thats really helped me out! Will be arranging the repair come Monday ,only thing is im not sure that my watch repairer is up to the challenge..he hates chronos!

[croolis]

junk it, and tell me where the bin is!

seriously beautiful watch!!!!

[Axel66]

Wow! these "real" tri-compaxes are really desirable! And your's semms to be a beautiful example! It's sure worth a couple of grands! So, repair should be affordable (guess a max. of $400, if no other damage detected).
But much more: It's a one of the most beautiful chronos!

Cheers,

Axel

[fatherjacob]

I'm now looking for a watch repairer to carry out the work ,as my repairer doesn't seem too confident about doing the work:-s..Does anybody out there have any good recommendations for the job ,im in the UK (Essex area).thanks