Universal - The Beauty in Everything: Single Owner Online Auction Hong Kong Tuesday, November 29, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: Circa 1936
    Reference No: 5656
    Case No: 618’885 and 48
    Model Name: Compur
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 283, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle
    Dimensions: 32mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    An early Universal chronograph with particularly beautiful gold printing on an aged black dial. The skeletonized hands interact with the complex dial markings underneath in a visually fascinating way that always drew me to have a second and third look. - Mark Cho


    To the new owners of the watches in the sale: The Armoury will custom-make the winner one of The Armoury’s signature garments as a gift. For further details please visit the link below.

    More Details: https://www.thearmoury.com/the-beauty-in-everything-gifts


    - Bearing a 6.18 hundred thousand serial, the present Universal Genève Compur ref. 5656 is a very early example from the circa 1936 that has aged gracefully through the ravages of time. Boasting a beautifully oxidised black gilt dial, this chronograph wristwatch is a visually striking vintage piece with an exceedingly rare configuration.

    - Moving away from pocket watches, the post-war era was an exciting transitional period when manufacturers, such as Universal, played with different dial combinations and experiment with their movements. Powered by a cal. 283 encased in a rounded yellow gold 32mm case, this technically sound caliber serves as a testament to the firm’s legacy as a superlative chronograph producer that is still highly regarded today.

    - As is often the case with dials from this era, the present example displays a no-longer-glossy matte black dial. This remarkably charming visage truly extenuates its antiquated appeal. Initially paired with yellow gold lume-filled hands, the watch now displays a pair of hollowed sword hands which gives it a distinct personality with a unique flair.

    - No doubt, the present yellow gold Compur ref. 5656 shows wear consistent with its age and will certainly please aficionados of rare vintage chronographs from the mid 1930s.

  • 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.

    View More Works

8027

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 5656
A fine, rare and early yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with black multi-scale gilt dial

Circa 1936
32mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$30,000 - 60,000 
€3,700-7,400
$3,800-7,700

Sold for HK$44,100

Contact Specialist

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

The Beauty in Everything: Single Owner Online Auction

Online Auction 30 November - 6 December 2022