Universal - The Geneva Watch Auction: X Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2019 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: 1966
    Reference No: 885104/01
    Case No: 2'508'465
    Model Name: Space-Compax
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. UG 85, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel, end links stamped UM, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel deployant clasp signed UG and Gay Frères, stamped 4 66
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Universal Genève Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture of this watch in 1966.

  • Catalogue Essay

    While the name of the watch would suggest space exploration, period catalogs refer to the Space Compax as the “underwater version of the Compax with its armored pushers and hermetic crown”.

    Regardless of its intended use, the Space-Compax is an incredibly rare piece in Universal Genève’s offering. The model was made in two variations, with silver subdials (1st generation) which is rarer and a 2nd generation with black subdials.

    The present example impresses with its excellent condition and attractive dial. The bold 12, red accents, silver subdials and rubber clad pushers give the watch a bold masculine look. The original Gay Frères bracelet adds an extra touch of debonair flamboyance to the watch.

    An elusive watch that rarely graces the auction market, the Universal Genève Space-Compax is a rare, unusual and attractive chronograph.

  • Artist Biography

    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.

    View More Works

165

Ref. 885104/01
A very rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial and silver registers, rubber chronograph pushers, red chronograph hand and bracelet

1966
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000 
€9,400-14,100
$10,400-15,600

Sold for CHF13,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: X

Geneva Auction 9-10 November 2019