I recently acquired this 1954 Mr. Universe or at least I hope it will be eventually. Presently it has a 1948 7AK 21 jewel movement in it that needs work, but I'm wanting to put a correct movement in it if you guys can help me determine what that might be. I have only seen a few of this model and I think it will be worth the effort to put it back to original again. The hands should be the dauphine style and I'm not sure about the dial. I've seen them with all numbers and with 3 numbers and hash marks like the one in the 1955 ad I'm posting.
In reply to Nice. Now we have Mr U too! by William Smith
I am seeing two models that could fit this id; the Mr. Universe in the ad already posted or the Commuter in this 1953 ad
I also do not see the hinged lugs in any of these ads, and it would seem that this feature would be something to advertise. We also have another 1953 record id'd as the Commuter and another Mr.U ad from 1955. They both look the same with the exception of the expansion band. Both of these models were available at the $71.50 through 1961 at least; w/o the original band it could be either model, plus this watch has an earlier movement with the wrong dial (per the ads available). Could be one or the other, but Mr.U shows up in the 1955 pricelists NEW section - which could be a new model or something else undertermined. I am leaning towards a tentative Commuter based on the year of this case or until a more distinguishing factor comes up between the two models
Now I gotta recheck some ads.... Thanks Ken for the info!
I'm now at 1954 Commuter, as per details above.... but it's a close one when we have a 1953 Commuter ad, 1954 watch, and different 1955 ad (Mr. U) and "new/updated" section of price list from 1955 showing Mr U.
Isn't this fun!