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.
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.
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