The First of 2011 (Some Lemania Content)

[danomar]

The first purchase of 2011 finally arrived this week. It took quite a bit of finesse because the seller did not want to ship to the U.S.A., so I had to rely on a friend to take care of the transaction. Thankfully all transpired without incident.



In some ways, this is the most boring watch yet. It is my newest, coming from no earlier than 1994 and probably from near 2000. It is also a pedestrian Lemania 1873, but it is my only 1873.



On the other hand, as re-editions go, I think Universal Genève got this one 99% right:











In case you were wondering, the bracelet is not original to the watch. It is, however, a vintage JB Champion.



I am waiting to hear back from Universal Genève as to whether or not the original strap and bracelet are available. Even though the JB Champion end links do not fit perfectly, they are close, and, well, I think it might stay on for a while.

[DaveS]

I like it, well done.

It is interesting that they have decided on a total absence of luminous material in order to keep simplicity and elegance to the dial (very successfully).

I like the folded hands, some of the earlier re-issues of these watches had similar-shaped flat hands which detracted massively from the look as they really appeared very cheap. These don't.

Like the pencil-shaped hour markers.

And the finish on the case looks almost pristine. Very sharp edges.

I think that would look very classy on a rich, dark, brown leather tapered strap.

Nice pick-up, well done

Dave

[andy_s]

I've just been waiting to see this on the screen as opposed to the 'phone, very nice, I do like some of the older UGs and fancied a tri-compax moonphase day/date eventually as a dressier sort of watch.

I like the 'panda' style chronos & they've done a good job and kept things quite simple but elegant; as Dave says, the case looks pin sharp.

The 1873 (I've never had one) is supposed to be good and has been used in some iconic watches so not too pedestrian I'd say! - nice addition Daniel.

[Noodlefish]

Fantastic looking UG you have there. Those Tri-compax really are some of the most elegant chronographs available. reminds me of the earliest pre-Daytona (Le Mans) Rolex (c. 1963). Classic styling never goes out of fashion, it seems...

[danomar]

For comparison purposes, this is the watch with the seller's (non-original) black crocodile strap and on another person's wrist:



It arguably looks better with a black strap, but I like the bracelet. This was my inspiration:



Note the bracelet, a JB Champion similar to mine.

I received word from Universal Genève: They do have a bracelet and replacement strap available. I am waiting to get photos before making further decisions that way.

Oh, and according the my man at the factory, this version was called the Janus. Go figure.

Universal Genève has sadly fallen onto hard times. When this watch was conceived, they were essentially broke—from my best understanding of the situation. I give them much credit for doing an excellent job of taking one of their best-loved designs, the Tri-Compax, taking possibly the most iconic version of it (the 'panda' version), and making a re-issue that is very true to the best aspects of all original versions. Angled Dauphine hands, raised hour markers, and the raised "U" logo are mixed elements that did not all make it onto the first version but are, in my opinion, perfect together. The absence of lume is a tasteful restraint that I appreciate. Even the restrained sweep seconds hand is a hybrid of the older, thinner Tri-Compax versions and the later, angular versions from the Sixties.

My favorite design element comes from our favorite part, the Lemania 1873. I will eventually own a Valjoux 72-powered watch, but one of the things I do not like about it is the wide space between registers at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock. The closer grouping of the Lemania version, in my eyes, is perfect.

The only thing I wish Universal Genève had not done is clutter the 6 o'clock hour counter with numbers. Four digits and eight bars are enough, thank you!

This was not as whimsical a purchase as it might seem.

I once owned a 1969 Speedmaster with transitional case back, the only version that I really care for. The Speedy I owned had a mechanical problem, and for what I paid (and considering all elements of the deal), I returned it for a refund. I have been keeping an eye out for one since but not in earnest. The design is a classic, yes, but the lug-to-lug size is just a little large on my puny wrist. Not bad, but just a bit tall. And, well, it is a Speedmaster. This will probably annoy Speedmaster fans, and I do apologize in advance, but nearly everyone has one and they are essentially the same. Yes, there are minute differences that enthusiasts can discern, but only enthusiasts would bother to notice. I was enthusiastic about Speedmasters for a while but then got bored with them. Sorry.

My favorite Speedy is the Japanese 'panda' version but I will never be able to afford one. I recently got the idea to buy a 'panda' dial and then put it on a (relatively) inexpensive Speedy later when I could find one at a good price. Of course, I would have to find the right hands. It would still be just a Speedmaster with no special value except to me. And it would still be just another Speedmaster. I was actually days from committing to purchasing a 1980's Speedy when my now-beloved Lemania 5012 appeared, luckily diverting all my funds that way. Fate was good to me that week!

And Fate was good to me with the Universal Genève. It suits me much better than a Speedy. It looks like a cross between a Rolex and a non crown-protected Speedmaster. The dimensions are, for me, perfect.





The movement is bulletproof, the design is classic, and it is an excellent homage to something I never thought I would own. I will probably eventually get another Speedmaster, but now I am in even less of a hurry!