The history of Universal Genève mirrors the history of the chronograph wristwatch. Founded in 1894 in Le Locle as Universal Watch, the brand initially began as a workshop assembling watch parts. Today, Universal’s chronograph wristwatches are highly sought after both for their modern mid-20th century aesthetic, fascinating dial variations, and superb quality.

Highly collectible, the present “Nina Rindt” Compax ref. 885103/02 preserved in stunning condition is a rarebird amongst its kind. Fitted with a MK 2 dial identified with the later square and U logo at 12 o’clock and black painted chronograph hands, the contrast of the black and white is simply gorgeous. Originally fitted with a Tachymeter bezel, according to scholars, during 1966-1967 with a serial range from 2’569’8XX-2’569’9XX, a small batch of no more than 200 pieces were fitted with a rare trait, the pulsation bezel. Amongst the serial range the latter part of the batch are known to have a common trait where the registers have turned tropical brown. Ticking all the boxes for rarity, collectability and condition, the timepiece bears a serial of 2’569’975 likely to be part of the very last batch of the pulsation Compax series. The dial has aged into a pleasing off-white hue with evenly aged luminous plots, and three registers have slightly gained an attractive tropicalised patina. The timepiece is furthermore accompanied with a guarantee, Japanese manual and price tag stating its price back in the days in Japanese yen.