Universal - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: Circa 1967
    Reference No: 885105/02
    Case No: 2’569’975
    Model Name: Universal Compax, “Nina Rindt”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Universal Gay Freres bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainlesss steel Universal deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied with blank Universal guarantee, instruction manual, hang tag and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The history of Universal Genève mirrors the history of the chronograph wristwatch. Founded in 1894 in Le Locle as Universal Watch, the brand initially began as a workshop assembling watch parts. Today, Universal’s chronograph wristwatches are highly sought after both for their modern mid-20th century aesthetic, fascinating dial variations, and superb quality.


    Highly collectible, the present “Nina Rindt” Compax ref. 885103/02 preserved in stunning condition is a rarebird amongst its kind. Fitted with a MK 2 dial identified with the later square and U logo at 12 o’clock and black painted chronograph hands, the contrast of the black and white is simply gorgeous. Originally fitted with a Tachymeter bezel, according to scholars, during 1966-1967 with a serial range from 2’569’8XX-2’569’9XX, a small batch of no more than 200 pieces were fitted with a rare trait, the pulsation bezel. Amongst the serial range the latter part of the batch are known to have a common trait where the registers have turned tropical brown. Ticking all the boxes for rarity, collectability and condition, the timepiece bears a serial of 2’569’975 likely to be part of the very last batch of the pulsation Compax series. The dial has aged into a pleasing off-white hue with evenly aged luminous plots, and three registers have slightly gained an attractive tropicalised patina. The timepiece is furthermore accompanied with a guarantee, Japanese manual and price tag stating its price back in the days in Japanese yen.

  • 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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905

Ref. 885105/02
A highly rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “tropical” dial, pulsometer scale, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1967
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$55,000 - 95,000 
€7,000-12,100
$7,100-12,200

Sold for HK$403,200

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia 
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022