1011
Universal
Ref. 890101/01
Aero-Compax
An attractive and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with 24-hour indication and fitted presentation box.
- Estimate
- HK$80,000 - 120,000€9,000 - 13,500$10,300 - 15,400
HK$87,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Universal
- Year
- Circa 1967
- Reference No
- 890101/01
- Case No
- 2’583’651
- Model Name
- Aero-Compax
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 90, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Rubber
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Universal Genève buckle
- Dimensions
- 41mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed.
- Accessories
- Accompanied by a Universal Genève fitted presentation box.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The Aero-Compax is a member of one of the most celebrated chronograph wristwatches manufactured by Universal Genève beginning in the 1930s. They were the first chronographs featuring hour and minute registers and were available in a variety of styles with names now common in the international market; “Tri-Compax”, “Uni-Compax” and “Aero-Compax”.
The “Aero-Compax” was released in 1941 as a tool watch for pilots and the present example from 1967 is a rare later model with 24-hour dial and rotating 24-hour bezel used to determine a second time zone based on distance traveled. The hands sweep once around the dial ever 24-hours. Another unusual feature is the 15-minute register, which moves twice per minute capturing 30 second intervals. Universal Genève used a modified Venus 178 base caliber to accommodate these two unusual complications.
In very good overall condition, the watch remains unpolished and with wear, and is a wonderful example of this rare model. The dial has aged to a warm yellowish hue. For the connoisseur of mid-century chronograph watches, the “Aero-Compax” is an excellent representation of the ingenuity and finesse shown by Universal Genève.
The “Aero-Compax” was released in 1941 as a tool watch for pilots and the present example from 1967 is a rare later model with 24-hour dial and rotating 24-hour bezel used to determine a second time zone based on distance traveled. The hands sweep once around the dial ever 24-hours. Another unusual feature is the 15-minute register, which moves twice per minute capturing 30 second intervals. Universal Genève used a modified Venus 178 base caliber to accommodate these two unusual complications.
In very good overall condition, the watch remains unpolished and with wear, and is a wonderful example of this rare model. The dial has aged to a warm yellowish hue. For the connoisseur of mid-century chronograph watches, the “Aero-Compax” is an excellent representation of the ingenuity and finesse shown by Universal Genève.
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.