1006Σ︎
Universal
Ref. 55203
Tri-Compax
An attractive and rare pink gold triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphase
Estimate
HK$48,000 - 80,000
€5,300 - 8,800
$6,200 - 10,300
Sold For
HK$52,500
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Universal
Year
1945
Reference No
55203
Movement No
235'534, stamped UOW
Case No
1'069'336
Model Name
Tri-Compax
Material
14K pink gold
Calibre
Manual, cal. 481, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Crocodile
Dimensions
35.4mm. Diameter
Signed
Case, dial and movement signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Universal’s Tri-Compax wristwatch was released in 1944 as a celebration of the firms fiftieth anniversary, and a successor to their iconic “Compax” watches first introduced in 1935. The Tri-Compax name referred to the three featured complications; chronograph, calendar and moonphase, and production continued until the 1960’s.
The present example is a lovely early model, with the standard snap on back, rectangular pushers, and cartoon face moonphase indication. The case retains a strong masculine proportion, and the dial has a nice aesthetic with its Arabic black numerals, off-set by the outer blue tachometer scale. The movement is stamped “UOW” an indication the watch was destined for the American market, further supported by its 14k pink gold case. This is a particular fine example of a watch with a long and distinguished history, and fitting for all collectors who appreciate the horological past.
The present example is a lovely early model, with the standard snap on back, rectangular pushers, and cartoon face moonphase indication. The case retains a strong masculine proportion, and the dial has a nice aesthetic with its Arabic black numerals, off-set by the outer blue tachometer scale. The movement is stamped “UOW” an indication the watch was destined for the American market, further supported by its 14k pink gold case. This is a particular fine example of a watch with a long and distinguished history, and fitting for all collectors who appreciate the horological past.
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.