845
Universal
Ref. 881101/02
Tri-Compax
A fine and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with triple calendar, moon phases, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box
- Estimate
- HK$150,000 - 320,000€17,300 - 36,900$20,000 - 40,000
HK$250,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Universal
- Year
- 1966
- Reference No
- 881101/02
- Case No
- 2’471’956
- Model Name
- Tri-Compax
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 281, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Gay Frères/Universal stainless steel bracelet, endlinks stamped UP, max length 190 mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Gay Frères/Universal stainless steel deployant clasp, stamped 4.66
- Dimensions
- 36 mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and bracelet signed
- Accessories
- With Universal Geneve certificate of guarantee signed by a Japanese retailer, blank registration card, service manual, Universal Geneve azure presentation box and outer packaging
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
To commemorate their golden jubilee anniversary in 1944, Universal Genève released the Tri-Compax as the new flagship model. The Tri-Compax gets its name from the three complications featured in the watch — triple calendar (day, date and month), chronograph and moon phases. The watch is by all means one of the most ground-breaking chronograph wristwatches of the period. With so much going on, the beauty of the Tri-Compax is how perfectly balanced and legible the dial is. The registers are well-proportioned, among the hour markers accented by luminous hour plots.
The Tri-Compax reference 881101 is often referred to by the name of the famous person who wore it — none other than celebrated guitarist Eric Clapton. The present Tri-Compax, made in 1966 and confirmed by the manufacturer, is from the second series of the legendary reference, featuring a bright red chronograph hand. The luminous materials on the dial are intact, and react well under the UV light. Most notably, the watch is also complimented by a vintage azure presentation box, papers, and comes with a stainless steel strap manufactured by Gay Frères. In this complete condition, this watch is an excellent example of an early execution of this iconic model.
The Tri-Compax reference 881101 is often referred to by the name of the famous person who wore it — none other than celebrated guitarist Eric Clapton. The present Tri-Compax, made in 1966 and confirmed by the manufacturer, is from the second series of the legendary reference, featuring a bright red chronograph hand. The luminous materials on the dial are intact, and react well under the UV light. Most notably, the watch is also complimented by a vintage azure presentation box, papers, and comes with a stainless steel strap manufactured by Gay Frères. In this complete condition, this watch is an excellent example of an early execution of this iconic model.
Universal
Swiss | 1894 Universal Genève was founded in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1894 and was originally known as "Universal Watch." Since its inception, Universal Genève has produced watches with unusually high quality for their price point. Universal was among the first brands to introduce a chronograph wristwatch.
Today, the firm's vintage models are highly sought-after and desired for their oversized cases and interesting dial designs. Key models include a variety of "Compax" models such as the "Nina Rindt" or "Evil Nina," the Uni-Compax, the Space-Compax, the Aero-Compax and the Film-Compax.
Browse MakerToday, the firm's vintage models are highly sought-after and desired for their oversized cases and interesting dial designs. Key models include a variety of "Compax" models such as the "Nina Rindt" or "Evil Nina," the Uni-Compax, the Space-Compax, the Aero-Compax and the Film-Compax.