Property of a Japanese Collector
27
Universal
Ref. 881101/02
Tri-Compax “Tropical Evil Clapton”
A well-preserved stainless steel triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with “tropical” dial and Gay Frères bracelet
- Estimate
- HK$78,000 - 160,000•€9,000 - 18,400$10,000 - 20,500
HK$431,800
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Universal
- Year
- Circa 1967
- Reference No
- 881101/02
- Case No
- 2’556’419
- Model Name
- Tri-Compax “Tropical Evil Clapton”
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 281, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Universal bracelet, endlinks “UW”, max length 185mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Universal deployant clasp stamped Gay Frères “3.67”
- Dimensions
- 36mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Like with other iconic Universal Genève models, the Tri-Compax reference 881101 has been nicknamed after the famous person who wore it — none other than celebrated guitarist and watch collector Eric Clapton, dubbed as the “Clapton” Ref. 88110/01 for the white dial variant and “Evil Clapton” for the black dial 881101/02.
Aged into a gorgeous milk chocolate brown, one can draw its resemblance to one of Clapton’s favourite guitar, the Fender Stratocaster nicknamed “Brownie”.
The present Tri-Compax with an English calendar made in circa 1967 is from the second series of the legendary reference, featuring a bright red chronograph hand and the tachymeter on the Don 90 bezel. With an attractive dial layout featuring stunning contrast of brown and white with red and blue accents, the watch holds a unique identity that is irreplaceable. A specimen boasting a strong HF (Huguenin frères) case, this Clapton with period correct features and Gay Frères bracelet is truly the equivalent “Brownie” in the world of watches.
Aged into a gorgeous milk chocolate brown, one can draw its resemblance to one of Clapton’s favourite guitar, the Fender Stratocaster nicknamed “Brownie”.
The present Tri-Compax with an English calendar made in circa 1967 is from the second series of the legendary reference, featuring a bright red chronograph hand and the tachymeter on the Don 90 bezel. With an attractive dial layout featuring stunning contrast of brown and white with red and blue accents, the watch holds a unique identity that is irreplaceable. A specimen boasting a strong HF (Huguenin frères) case, this Clapton with period correct features and Gay Frères bracelet is truly the equivalent “Brownie” in the world of watches.
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.