Universal - The Geneva Watch Auction: XV Geneva Saturday, May 7, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: 1941
    Reference No: 22'414
    Case No: 826'220
    Model Name: Aero-Compax
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. UG287, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Universal Genève Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1941

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1935, Universal launched the "Compax" chronograph family, the world's first chronograph wristwatch featuring minute and hour registers. Over the next 40 years, Universal successfully upgraded its chronograph manufacture and created a variety of versions with specialized complications in response to market demands (pilots, doctors, and engineers).

    The intriguing Aero-Compax, with its four subdials, is one of Universal Genève's most distinctive models immediately appreciated by pilots, as well as the company's flagship timepiece. It includes an odd second time display at "12" in addition to the modest seconds, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters. In order to acquire a control time, this sub-dial allows the input time to be saved as a reference time. The hands may be adjusted with the left crown, but they do not move otherwise. This model features a high-gloss black dial with four black guilloche totalizers. Presented in excellent overall condition, the current 37mm size gives this timepiece a great vintage appearance and makes it a great addition into the collection of rare and historically important pilot watch collections.

  • Artist Biography

    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.

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156

Ref. 22'414
An unusual and very attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black glossy dial, additional time display and extract

1941
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement signed

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 14,000 
€7,900-13,800
$8,500-14,900

Sold for CHF30,240

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XV

Geneva Auction 7 - 8 May 2022