Universal - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips
  • 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.

  • 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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Σ1006

Ref. 55203
An attractive and rare pink gold triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphase

1945
35.4mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$48,000 - 80,000 
€5,300-8,800
$6,200-10,300

Sold for HK$52,500

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: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018