Universal’s Tri-Compax wristwatch was released in 1944 as a celebration of the firm’s fiftieth anniversary, and a successor to their iconic “Compax” watches first introduced in 1935. The Tri-Compax name referred to the three featured complications; chronograph, calendar and moonphase, and production continued until the 1960s. Today, vintage wristwatches by Universal are highly sought after for their modern mid-century aesthetics and superb quality, with offerings such as the Uni-Compax, the famed Polerouter designed by a young Gerald Genta, and the present model, the Tri-Compax chronograph.
The present lot is charismatic and well-preserved with a beautiful, original dial remaining in impeccable condition. While the dial layout features four subsidiary dials, day and month apertures, and outer tachymeter scale, it remains easily readable and helped establish the model as a flagship of the brand.