No Reserve
8027
Universal
Ref. 5656
Compur
A fine, rare and early yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with black multi-scale gilt dial
- Estimate
- HK$30,000 - 60,000•€3,700 - 7,400$3,800 - 7,700
HK$44,100
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Universal
- Year
- Circa 1936
- Reference No
- 5656
- Case No
- 618’885 and 48
- Model Name
- Compur
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 283, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Gilt pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 32mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
An early Universal chronograph with particularly beautiful gold printing on an aged black dial. The skeletonized hands interact with the complex dial markings underneath in a visually fascinating way that always drew me to have a second and third look. - Mark Cho
To the new owners of the watches in the sale: The Armoury will custom-make the winner one of The Armoury’s signature garments as a gift. For further details please visit the link below.
More Details: https://www.thearmoury.com/the-beauty-in-everything-gifts
- Bearing a 6.18 hundred thousand serial, the present Universal Genève Compur ref. 5656 is a very early example from the circa 1936 that has aged gracefully through the ravages of time. Boasting a beautifully oxidised black gilt dial, this chronograph wristwatch is a visually striking vintage piece with an exceedingly rare configuration.
- Moving away from pocket watches, the post-war era was an exciting transitional period when manufacturers, such as Universal, played with different dial combinations and experiment with their movements. Powered by a cal. 283 encased in a rounded yellow gold 32mm case, this technically sound caliber serves as a testament to the firm’s legacy as a superlative chronograph producer that is still highly regarded today.
- As is often the case with dials from this era, the present example displays a no-longer-glossy matte black dial. This remarkably charming visage truly extenuates its antiquated appeal. Initially paired with yellow gold lume-filled hands, the watch now displays a pair of hollowed sword hands which gives it a distinct personality with a unique flair.
- No doubt, the present yellow gold Compur ref. 5656 shows wear consistent with its age and will certainly please aficionados of rare vintage chronographs from the mid 1930s.
To the new owners of the watches in the sale: The Armoury will custom-make the winner one of The Armoury’s signature garments as a gift. For further details please visit the link below.
More Details: https://www.thearmoury.com/the-beauty-in-everything-gifts
- Bearing a 6.18 hundred thousand serial, the present Universal Genève Compur ref. 5656 is a very early example from the circa 1936 that has aged gracefully through the ravages of time. Boasting a beautifully oxidised black gilt dial, this chronograph wristwatch is a visually striking vintage piece with an exceedingly rare configuration.
- Moving away from pocket watches, the post-war era was an exciting transitional period when manufacturers, such as Universal, played with different dial combinations and experiment with their movements. Powered by a cal. 283 encased in a rounded yellow gold 32mm case, this technically sound caliber serves as a testament to the firm’s legacy as a superlative chronograph producer that is still highly regarded today.
- As is often the case with dials from this era, the present example displays a no-longer-glossy matte black dial. This remarkably charming visage truly extenuates its antiquated appeal. Initially paired with yellow gold lume-filled hands, the watch now displays a pair of hollowed sword hands which gives it a distinct personality with a unique flair.
- No doubt, the present yellow gold Compur ref. 5656 shows wear consistent with its age and will certainly please aficionados of rare vintage chronographs from the mid 1930s.
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.