The Aero-Compax is regarded as one of the most important milestone timepieces for Universal Genève. With chronograph wristwatches booming in the late 1930s, the industry was competitive in a sense where manufacturers were competing to create the best chronograph wristwatch on the market. The Compax was launched in various models, “Tri-Compax”, “Uni-Compax” and “Aero-Compax”. Deemed as the first chronograph wristwatch to feature hour and minute registers, the Compax models were a revelation in the industry.
Released in 1941, the “Aero-Compax” is a professional tool watch made for pilots. With various dial configurations, the present example certainly belongs to a rare breed of the model. Featuring a bi-coloured 24-Hour rotational bezel as well as a 24-Hour indicated dial, the present watch from circa 1968 is further charmed by the original Universal Genève bracelet and co-stamped by infamous bracelet makers Gay Frères. Presented in attractive overall condition the present example is a desirable professional tool watch to acquire manufactured by one of the most reputable manufacturers of chronograph wristwatches at the time.
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.
