Universal - Phillips & Blackbird: SPORTS Hong Kong Sunday, May 26, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: 1966
    Reference No: 881101/02
    Case No: 2’471’956
    Model Name: Tri-Compax
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 281, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Gay Frères/Universal stainless steel bracelet, endlinks stamped UP, max length 190 mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Gay Frères/Universal stainless steel deployant clasp, stamped 4.66
    Dimensions: 36 mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and bracelet signed
    Accessories: With Universal Geneve certificate of guarantee signed by a Japanese retailer, blank registration card, service manual, Universal Geneve azure presentation box and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    To commemorate their golden jubilee anniversary in 1944, Universal Genève released the Tri-Compax as the new flagship model. The Tri-Compax gets its name from the three complications featured in the watch — triple calendar (day, date and month), chronograph and moon phases. The watch is by all means one of the most ground-breaking chronograph wristwatches of the period. With so much going on, the beauty of the Tri-Compax is how perfectly balanced and legible the dial is. The registers are well-proportioned, among the hour markers accented by luminous hour plots.

    The Tri-Compax reference 881101 is often referred to by the name of the famous person who wore it — none other than celebrated guitarist Eric Clapton. The present Tri-Compax, made in 1966 and confirmed by the manufacturer, is from the second series of the legendary reference, featuring a bright red chronograph hand. The luminous materials on the dial are intact, and react well under the UV light. Most notably, the watch is also complimented by a vintage azure presentation box, papers, and comes with a stainless steel strap manufactured by Gay Frères. In this complete condition, this watch is an excellent example of an early execution of this iconic model.

  • 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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845

Ref. 881101/02
A fine and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with triple calendar, moon phases, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

1966
36 mm diameter
Case, dial and bracelet signed

Estimate
HK$150,000 - 320,000 
€17,300-36,900
$20,000-40,000

Sold for HK$250,000

Contact Specialist

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

Phillips & Blackbird: SPORTS

Hong Kong Auction 27 May 2019