67
Universal
Ref. 685’306
Uni-Compax
A fine, rare and oversized stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial and luminous Arabic hour markers.
Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000
Sold For
CHF33,750
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Universal
Year
Circa 1938
Reference No
685’306
Case No
7065
Model Name
Uni-Compax
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Manual, cal. 385, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel buckle
Dimensions
38mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial and movement signed
Accessories
Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the present watch was manufactured in 1938.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
In 1917, Universal Genève created its first ever chronograph wristwatch. Subsequently, the manufacturer launched its famous “Compax” chronograph family in 1935, the world’s first chronograph wristwatch made with minute and hour registers.
The present Uni-Compax stands out with an exquisite black dial – a highly unusual configuration as most examples of the model are found with silver dials. Highly attractive and masculine, the oversized snap-back case is equipped with Universal’s manual caliber 385. It features two registers at 3 and 9 o’clock indicating timekeeping seconds and a 45-minute counter, respectively. Encased in stainless steel, the luminous sword hands nicely complement the highly charismatic black dial.
It is a sporty, yet elegant example from the golden era of wristwatch chronographs that is certain to delight any enthusiast of vintage watches.
The present Uni-Compax stands out with an exquisite black dial – a highly unusual configuration as most examples of the model are found with silver dials. Highly attractive and masculine, the oversized snap-back case is equipped with Universal’s manual caliber 385. It features two registers at 3 and 9 o’clock indicating timekeeping seconds and a 45-minute counter, respectively. Encased in stainless steel, the luminous sword hands nicely complement the highly charismatic black dial.
It is a sporty, yet elegant example from the golden era of wristwatch chronographs that is certain to delight any enthusiast of vintage watches.
Universal
Swiss | 1894Universal 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.