Manufacturer: Universal Year: Circa 1955 Reference No: 330.194 Case No: 522’101-1, 2’227’995 Model Name: Tri-Compax Material: 14K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 281, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Universal plated buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Catalogue Essay
Universal’s Tri-Compax wristwatch was released in 1944 as a celebration of the firm’s 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 1960s. Today, vintage wristwatches by Universal are highly sought after for their modern mid-century aesthetics and superb quality, with offerings such as the Uni-Compax, the famed Polerouter designed by a young Gerald Genta, and the present model, the Tri-Compax chronograph. The present lot is charismatic and well-preserved with a beautiful, original dial remaining in impeccable condition. While the dial layout features four subsidiary dials, day and month apertures, and outer tachymeter scale, it remains easily readable and helped establish the model as a flagship of the brand.
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.