Universal - Double Signed: A Celebration of the Finest Partnerships of Manufacturers and Retailers Geneva Friday, November 8, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: 1956
    Reference No: 22279/3
    Case No: 1'804'320
    Model Name: Tri-Compax
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal UG 481, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Universal Genève stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 34,5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and pin buckle signed, dial further signed Eisenhart
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Universal Genève Guarantee stamped Eisenhart, Interlaken dated August 23, 1958 and presentation box

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1944 to commemorate the brand’s 50th Anniversary, the Tri-Compax is one of the most complicated watches made by Universal Genève. Featuring a chronograph with multiple scales, a triple calendar and moonphases, the dial of the watch could have looked very busy but Universal succeeded in designing a watch that was clear to read and enjoyable to look at. Nicknamed “Glorioso” to pay homage to the level of complexity, the model soon became the flagship of the brand.
    The present Tri-Compax differentiates itself from its peers by the second signature added on its lower subdial. Eisenhart was a jeweler with boutiques in Bern and in Interlaken, Switzerland. To the best of our knowledge, only a handful of watches bear this retailer’s signature. The watch is presented in excellent overall condition, with the original box and even rarer, the original Universal Genève guarantee stamped by Eisenhart and dated August 23, 1958. Just like a time capsule, this watch brings us back in the late 1950s to the Swiss city nested between two lakes where the famous German writer Goethe enjoyed spending time.

  • 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.

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Ref. 22279/3
A very attractive stainless steel triple calendar wristwatch with moonphases, tachymeter and telemeter scales, box and original guarantee

1956
34,5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and pin buckle signed, dial further signed Eisenhart

Estimate
CHF4,000 - 8,000 
€3,700-7,300
$4,000-8,000

Sold for CHF17,500

Contact Specialist
Virginie Liatard-Roessli
Specialist, Head of Sale
+41 76 338 91 03
vliatard@phillips.com

Double Signed: A Celebration of the Finest Partnerships of Manufacturers and Retailers

Geneva Auction 9 November 2019