Manufacturer: Universal Year: 1965 Reference No: 22703/3 Case No: 2'357'944 Model Name: Aero-Compax Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 130, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Dimensions: 40mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With an Extract from the Archives
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 pending the markets needs (pilots, doctors, engineers, etc.)
This Aero-Compax was available with either 24-hour or 12-hour dials, the latter being rarer. Whereas the 24-hour watches were fitted with calibre UG90 (based on Venus 178), the 12-hour watches are equipped with Universal's calibre 130 based on the Valjoux 726.
With its captivating two-tone dial, but also its superb ability to be worn daily, the present Aero-Compax has the right looks for a 1960s chronograph, paired with a very high degree of rarity.
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.