Universal - Geneva Watch Auction: TWO Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2015 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: 1936
    Reference No: 5126
    Case No: 630'204
    Model Name: Contax
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 285, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case and movement signed, dial signed Astrua
    Accessories: With an Extract from the Archives
    Literature: Paul White "I cronografi da polso" Volume III, pg. 362/363

  • Catalogue Essay

    Chronographs with minute and hours registers became increasingly popular in the 1930s. Many manufacturers from Longines to Zenith produced various dial configurations and styles. The most sought after amongst seasoned collectors are the black dial versions and finding ones with steel hands and indexes make it even more special.

    This particular Universal, signed by the retailer Astrua, features all those attributes, from its steel case with flat bezel, brushed sides and square push buttons to its stunning black dial.

    The dial showing purity of design and with contrasting silver text against the gloss black becomes a classic, stylish and very elegant chronograph from the golden era of wristwatch chronographs.

  • 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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238

Ref. 5126
A very rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial, retailed by Astrua

1936
35mm. Diameter
Case and movement signed, dial signed Astrua

Estimate
CHF4,000 - 6,000 

Sold for CHF8,125

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

Geneva Watch Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 7 & 8 November 2015 6:30pm