Manufacturer: Universal Year: 1942 Reference No: 22’430 Case No: 904’869 Model Name: Compax Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 292, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Nylon Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 46mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the present watch was manufactured in 1942.
Catalogue Essay
Universal introduced its famous “Compax” chronograph family in 1935, the world’s first chronograph wristwatch made in series with minute and hour registers. Universal successfully modernized its chronograph production over the next 40 years, and introduced a number of variants with specific additional functions considering market needs (for example - pilots, doctors, and engineers).
This oversized Compax boasts an impressive 46mm diameter, most likely intended for pilots. The large dial size allows for easy legibility of the luminous hour markers and hands.
Most often seen with silver dials, the present lot’s black dial is extremely rare. It has developed a lovely and uniform “tropical” color, resembling an attractive dark espresso shade of brown. These large Compax models were fitted with caliber 292, and usually paired with an adjustable strap to fit over a pilot’s jacket while flying.
With its captivating “tropical” dial, but also its superb ability to be worn daily, the present Compax has the timeless aesthetics of a 1940s chronograph. Paired with a very high degree of rarity, it is an extraordinary example of a Universal chronograph for the discerning collector.
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.