Universal - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: 1943
    Movement No: UG 283 further stamped 201'320
    Case No: 22'269 further stamped with serial number 972'183
    Model Name: Uni-Compax
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. UG 283, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied with Universal Genève Extract From the Archives confirming production of this model in 1943.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1917, Universal Genève created its first ever chronograph wristwatch. Some 18 years later, it launched its first “Compax” watch, with many variations to follow. Today, vintage Universal Genève chronographs are especially sought after thanks to their extraordinary diversity, appealing designs, and large, well-proportioned cases.

    The present Compax is equipped with Universal’s manual caliber 283. It features two registers at 3 and 9 o’clock indicating timekeeping seconds and an original 45-minute counter (as opposed to the habitual 30 minute counter more commonly found).

    The steel case has a very interesting and unusual geometry with a “disco volante” type round shape and long down turned stepped lugs reaching all the way into the bezel.

    Some seventy years later, this watch remains vividly modern, sure to impress any avid chronograph collector. Its case size sits nicely on one’s wrist, offering wonderful aesthetics and wearability, making this vintage chronograph perfect for today’s modern tastes.

  • 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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No Reserve

4

Lot offered with No Reserve

A fine and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with elongated sculpted lugs

1943
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF4,000 - 6,000 
€3,700-5,600
$4,000-5,900

Sold for CHF5,625

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017