Universal - The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN New York Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Phillips

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  • 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.

  • 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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Ref. 330.194
A fine and attractive yellow gold triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phase

Circa 1955
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
$3,000 - 6,000 
CHF2,800-5,700
€2,900-5,800
HK$23,500-47,000
S$4,100-8,300

Sold for $20,160

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

 

The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN

New York Auction 10 - 11 December 2022