Universal - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO Hong Kong Monday, May 30, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: 1942
    Reference No: 22223
    Movement No: 17'848
    Case No: 274'884
    Model Name: Uni-compax
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Mechanical, 281, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel bracelet, 165 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 34 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Literature: For another example of a stainless steel Universal with 281 caliber, please see by I Cronografi Da Polso Preziose memoire del XX Secolo Volume I by Paul White, page 246 and 247.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Chronographs became very popular with society in the 1930s. Watch manufactures of the time were keen to capitalize on this new trend making a variety of chronographs with different dial designs. The present watch is in extremely well preserved condition with water-resistant-type case that still displays its original engravings to the case back. Its original black dial is extremely well preserved and has turned to a warm brown tone and its stainless steel hands perfectly matching the dial white graphics, giving the watch a very classic, yet stylish look.

  • 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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183

Ref. 22223
A rare stainless steel anti-magnetic chronograph wristwatch with black lacquer dial and bracelet

1942
34 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$40,000 - 64,000 

Sold for HK$56,250

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO

Hong Kong Auction 31 May 2016