Universal - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: Circa 1961
    Reference No: 522101-1
    Case No: 2’228’021
    Model Name: Tri-Compax
    Material: 14K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. UG 281, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated buckle
    Dimensions: 34.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Universal Genève’s Tri-Compax wristwatch was released in 1944 as a celebration of the firms 15th anniversary, as well as a successor to their first release of the iconic Aero-Compax introduced in 1936. Today, vintage wristwatches by the firm are highly sought after for their modern mid-century aesthetics and superb quality with offerings such as the Uni-Compax, the famed Polerouter designed by young Gerald Genta, and last but not least the present model, the Tri-Compax referring to the three featured complications; chronograph, calendar and moon phases.

    The present Tri-Compax ref. 522101-1 was produced during circa 1961, by the reference number one can decipher details about the reference such as first digit referring to the case metal (5 for 14K yellow gold), the second digit for the type of movement (2 for chronograph) and the third digit for the size of the base plate (2 for cal. 281).

    Preserved in a remarkably well-preserved condition with a strong case and crisp edges, the watch has furthermore gained a beautiful warm patina of the yellow gold case and a pleasingly aged creamy dial. This is a particularly fine example of a watch with a long and distinguished history, and fitting for all collectors who appreciate the horological past.

  • 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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1014

Ref. 522101-1
A rare and attractive yellow gold triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with French calendar and moon phases

Circa 1961
34.5mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 160,000 
€13,300-17,800
$15,400-20,500

Sold for HK$163,800

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021