41
Universal
Ref. 884100/01
Uni-Compax ‘Big Eye’
A very rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial, tachometer scale, and enlarged 45-minute register.
- Estimate
- CHF10,000 - 20,000
CHF32,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Universal
- Year
- 1965
- Reference No
- 884100/01
- Case No
- 2’380’011
- Model Name
- Uni-Compax ‘Big Eye’
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. Universal 125, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel buckle, signed Universal
- Dimensions
- 36mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the present watch was manufactured in 1965.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
In 1917, Universal Genève created its first ever chronograph wristwatch. About eighteen years later, they launched their first “Compax” model, with many variations to follow: the Dato-Compax, Aero-Compax, and the revered Tri-Compax that featured a complete calendar with moon phases.
The present Uni-Compax is also referred to as “Big Eye” due to its oversized minute register at 3 o’clock. The matte black dial has so many features that delight the senses – cross hairs alluding to precision, a silver ring along the outer edge for the tachometer scale, and a bold, red chronograph hand giving the wristwatch its signature, sporty aesthetic.The stainless steel case houses the manually wound Universal caliber 125, featuring two registers at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock indicating timekeeping seconds and a 45-minute counter, respectively.
Still retaining crisp definition to the lugs and bezel, it is hard to believe a watch intended for everyday use is still in such excellent condition.
Half a century later, this attractive and unusual wristwatch is sure to excite the discerning collector.
The present Uni-Compax is also referred to as “Big Eye” due to its oversized minute register at 3 o’clock. The matte black dial has so many features that delight the senses – cross hairs alluding to precision, a silver ring along the outer edge for the tachometer scale, and a bold, red chronograph hand giving the wristwatch its signature, sporty aesthetic.The stainless steel case houses the manually wound Universal caliber 125, featuring two registers at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock indicating timekeeping seconds and a 45-minute counter, respectively.
Still retaining crisp definition to the lugs and bezel, it is hard to believe a watch intended for everyday use is still in such excellent condition.
Half a century later, this attractive and unusual wristwatch is sure to excite the discerning collector.
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.