183
Universal
Ref. 22223
Uni-compax
A rare stainless steel anti-magnetic chronograph wristwatch with black lacquer dial and bracelet
Estimate
HK$40,000 - 64,000
Sold For
HK$56,250
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Universal
Year
1942
Reference No
22223
Movement No
17'848
Case No
274'884
Model Name
Uni-compax
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Mechanical, 281, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Stainless steel bracelet, 165 mm. maximum length
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel folding deployant clasp
Dimensions
34 mm. diameter
Signed
<em>Case, dial and movement signed</em>
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Chronographs became very popular with society in the 1930s. Watch manufactures of the time were keen to capitalize on this new trend making a variety of chronographs with different dial designs. The present watch is in extremely well preserved condition with water-resistant-type case that still displays its original engravings to the case back. Its original black dial is extremely well preserved and has turned to a warm brown tone and its stainless steel hands perfectly matching the dial white graphics, giving the watch a very classic, yet stylish look.
Literature
Universal
Swiss | 1894Universal 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.