This Watch Stumped Me... So I used a BICYCLE PUMP?!

Welcome back! Today I’m doing a full teardown and service on an absolute icon: the Universal Genève Tri-Compax... a legendary full calendar chronograph (day, date, month, moonphase + chrono) that traces back to the mid-1940s. When it arrived on the bench the timegrapher numbers were… not pretty: low amplitude and a beat error that was off the charts, even though the calendar and chronograph functions mostly appeared to be working. In this episode you’ll see the full process: careful dial-side disassembly (because with Tri-Compax watches, the dial, hands, and moonphase disc are a huge part of the value), a deep dive into the chronograph works (column wheel, horizontal clutch, minute recorder, hour recorder, and all the tiny springs that love to launch into orbit), and a few surprises along the way. Highlights include: A mystery lever found inside the case (always a good sign… 😅) The “is it a front loader or rear loader?” case drama... including a DIY bicycle pump crystal pop! A chronograph classic: the sweep hand pipe separating from the hand, and how I re-fit and rivet it back securely Full cleaning, jewel inspection, fresh lubrication, and a much healthier timegrapher result Finishing touches including a new crystal to replace the cracked original If you enjoy vintage chronographs, complicated calendar work, or just like seeing how these old mechanical machines come back to life with a proper service, I think you’ll enjoy this one. #restoration #watchrepair #wristwatch #vintagewatches Contact info: [email protected] Many of my tools I use are affordable. If you're interested in getting started with watch repair and would like to use what I use, I've included some links below. I earn a small commission from Amazon if purchases are made using these links. Other texts: Watch Repairer's Manual: https://amzn.to/3knrwdG Watchmaker's Lathe: https://amzn.to/3D02WGb Tools: Caseback Opener/Closer Tool: https://amzn.to/43Gn8Kr Mainspring Closer Tool: https://amzn.to/4mwaCE1 Micrometer: https://amzn.to/4pcvBNv Micrometer Stand: https://amzn.to/3vPPuUy Microscope: https://amzn.to/3ZrQ3Pn Movement Holder (pocket watches): https://amzn.to/3H9JBUv Movement Holder (wrist watches): https://amzn.to/3JeG2iv Ceramic Tipped Tweezers: https://amzn.to/3QP1qMH Finger cots: https://amzn.to/3CXbXzJ Micrometer: https://amzn.to/3QNGN3C and Stand: https://amzn.to/3iIyF86 Rodico: https://amzn.to/3kr5RBb Tweezers: https://amzn.to/3GNFEVi 10X Loupe: https://amzn.to/3iLfome Levers: https://amzn.to/3XB4RZG Demagnetizer: https://amzn.to/3ZINUhS Budget Screwdrivers: https://amzn.to/3Xr7gqo Better Screwdrivers: https://amzn.to/3SZRGkY Cleaning: Mesh Baskets: https://amzn.to/3ITqikE Ultrasonic: https://amzn.to/3wcO7wg Mason Jars: https://amzn.to/3WkUfgB Cleaning Solution: https://amzn.to/3XwQ16I Rinsing Solution: https://amzn.to/3wdgAlA Cleaning Brushes: https://amzn.to/3QPnSp8 Lubrication: Oilers: https://amzn.to/3Xi8LXR DX Grease: https://amzn.to/3ZO0kVU Moebius 941: https://amzn.to/3Hf6g2X Moebius 9010: https://amzn.to/3CVGM7Y Moebius D5: https://amzn.to/3ITqikE Buffing and Polishing: PolyWatch: https://amzn.to/3XlVTja Polishing Compound: https://amzn.to/3QQ1r33 Bench Buffer Polisher: https://amzn.to/3OlcW2E ------------------------------------ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:18 Begin Disassembly 18:08 Cleaning and Core Assembly 28:35 Chronograph Assembly 32:50: Calendar Assembly 39:43 Casing the Movement 43:00 Repairing the Sweep Hand 45:00 Crystal Install & Wrap Up