Manufacturer: Universal Year: 1945 Reference No: 55203 Movement No: 235'534, stamped UOW Case No: 1'069'336 Model Name: Tri-Compax Material: 14K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 481, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Dimensions: 35.4mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Universal’s Tri-Compax wristwatch was released in 1944 as a celebration of the firms fiftieth anniversary, and a successor to their iconic “Compax” watches first introduced in 1935. The Tri-Compax name referred to the three featured complications; chronograph, calendar and moonphase, and production continued until the 1960’s.
The present example is a lovely early model, with the standard snap on back, rectangular pushers, and cartoon face moonphase indication. The case retains a strong masculine proportion, and the dial has a nice aesthetic with its Arabic black numerals, off-set by the outer blue tachometer scale. The movement is stamped “UOW” an indication the watch was destined for the American market, further supported by its 14k pink gold case. This is a particular fine example of a watch with a long and distinguished history, and fitting for all collectors who appreciate the horological past.
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.