Universal - Geneva Watch Auction: TWO Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2015 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: 1981
    Reference No: 885.105
    Case No: 3'755'301
    Model Name: Universal Compax "Nina Rindt"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual Cal. Valjoux 72 / Universal Genève 85, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Universal/Gay Frères stainless steel folding clasp
    Dimensions: Diameter 36mm.
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Universal Genève Certificate dated June 22, 2015 and photograph of Nina Rindt wearing this model

  • Catalogue Essay

    This spectacular watch is known to collectors as the “Nina Rindt” ever since the wife of the famous Formula One driver, Jochen Rindt, was photographed wearing this model. The now famous photograph of Nina in the pit lane wearing a similar watch on a bud style strap and with sunglasses, looked as cool and stylish then as it does now.

    This Compax has what’s called a "Panda" dial, which relates to the white base with black sub dials, very similar to the legendary Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona. Amongst collectors, those Universal Compax reference 885.103 models, is fitted with a tachometer bezel are generally considered the "Nina Rindt" version. Interestingly, towards the end of the production run, Universal also used cases of reference 885.105, which were originally destined to be fitted with a bezel featuring a pulsation scale. As the present watch is an extremely late example, it makes perfect sense that the present Compax has a tachometer bezel given the larger demand.

    The watch has an immaculate case that shows no signs of polishing and the scroll twisted lugs complete the case design. The acrylic crystal is still the original one featuring in the centre the inlaid "U" symbol for Universal Genève. The heartbeat of the watch is the Valjoux 72 movement, which is marked as the Universal Genève calibre 85.

    This is a rare opportunity to purchase a beautifully presented watch that is fast becoming an iconic vintage 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.

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Ref. 885.105
A rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet

1981
Diameter 36mm.
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF12,000 - 18,000 

Sold for CHF27,500

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

Geneva Watch Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 7 & 8 November 2015 6:30pm