153
Universal
Ref. 885104/02
Space-Compax
A highly rare and attractive asymmetric stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, guarantee and fitted presentation box
- Estimate
- CHF9,000 - 12,000€7,800 - 10,400$9,300 - 12,400
CHF22,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Universal
- Year
- 1966
- Reference No
- 885104/02
- Case No
- 2'509'483
- Model Name
- Space-Compax
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 72, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Universal Gay Frères bracelet, max length 225mm.
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Universal Gay Frères folding deployant clasp stamped GF 3.69
- Dimensions
- 37mm. Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, bracelet further signed GF
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Universal sales tag, blank guarantee, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Furthermore delivered with Universal Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with black dial in 1966.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
First introduced in 1935, the Universal Geneve Compax is one of the company's most celebrated watches. Produced for over forty years, the Compax carried a variety of dial and case configurations.
Much has been said about the origins of the Space-Compax's name. While originally conceived as a diver's watch, its name most probably stems from the public's fascination with space travel in the 1960s.
Produced in two generations, the present lot belongs to the first generation, evidenced by the all-black dial configuration. In contrast, the second-generation dial configuration features white contrasting subsidiary registers and a large numeral at 12 o'clock.
Being a dive watch, the Space-Compax was fitted with a black rotating bezel and rubber-capped chronograph pushers. The present watch is preserved in very original condition, and still retains its original rubber pushers, factory sticker to the case back, sales tag, blank guarantee and fitted presentation box. Today, many existing rubber pushers are worn down, or have disappeared completely, making this "complete" example highly collectible.
Much has been said about the origins of the Space-Compax's name. While originally conceived as a diver's watch, its name most probably stems from the public's fascination with space travel in the 1960s.
Produced in two generations, the present lot belongs to the first generation, evidenced by the all-black dial configuration. In contrast, the second-generation dial configuration features white contrasting subsidiary registers and a large numeral at 12 o'clock.
Being a dive watch, the Space-Compax was fitted with a black rotating bezel and rubber-capped chronograph pushers. The present watch is preserved in very original condition, and still retains its original rubber pushers, factory sticker to the case back, sales tag, blank guarantee and fitted presentation box. Today, many existing rubber pushers are worn down, or have disappeared completely, making this "complete" example highly collectible.
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.
Browse MakerToday, 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.