Universal - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: 1965
    Reference No: 884100/01
    Case No: 2'380'032
    Model Name: Uni-Compax ‘Big Eye’
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. UG 125, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Universal Genève pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Universal Genève Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1965.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Not only Universal Genève chronographs are garnering immense popularity but the brand’s “Big Eye” has become one of the most sought after sports chronographs.

    The present Uni-Compax gets its “Big Eye” moniker from its oversized minute register at 3 o’clock and was made for two short years from 1963 to 1965 either with a white dial and black sub registers or black dial with silver sub registers like the present lot.

    The matte black dial features a cavalcade of subtle details adding to the watch’s general awesomeness: cross hairs alluding to precision, a silver ring along the outer edge for the tachymeter scale and a minutes subdial with a highlighted eight minutes portion.

    The generous 36,5mm steel case houses the manually wound Universal caliber 125, featuring two registers at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock indicating timekeeping seconds and a 45-minute counter, respectively.

    Still retaining crisp definition to the lugs and bezel, it is hard to believe a watch intended for everyday use is still in such excellent condition.

    The “Big Eye’s” overall desirability is also highlighted by the utter rarity of this piece of which only a handful have graced the international auction markets in the past 15 years.

  • 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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164

Ref. 884100/01
A very rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial, tachymeter scale, and enlarged 45-minute register

1965
36.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000 
€8,600-12,900
$10,600-15,900

Sold for CHF23,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018