Property from an Important Asian Collector
876
Universal
Ref. 22297-3
Tri-Compax
A rare and attractive stainless steel triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases
Estimate
HK$50,000 - 80,000•︎
€6,000 - 9,600
$6,400 - 10,300
Sold For
HK$35,560
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Universal
Year
Circa 1960
Reference No
22297-3
Case No
1’896’523
Model Name
Tri-Compax
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Manual, cal. UG 281, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel pin buckle
Dimensions
34.5mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial and movement signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
With roots tracing back to the 1940s, the Universal Tri-Compax commemorated the manufacture's 50th anniversary through an intricate display of watchmaking mastery. Characterized by its triple complications - full calendar, chronograph, and moon phases - the Tri-Compax reflects Universal's increasing popularity among collectors and scholars who appreciate its bold proportions and reliable calibers.
The beauty of the Tri-Compax lies in its dial design, both complex yet balanced. Powered by the cal. 281 movement, the watch is instantly recognizable by its sculpted lugs with strong definition, giving incredible wrist presence.
Furthermore, the present Tri-Compax is a rare example with small chronograph pushers nicknamed “Spillino” by Itallian collectors. Though initially created as a sports watch, many surviving examples today exhibit heavy polishing from wear. Yet this Tri-Compax remains very well preserved, with crisp case number and reference markings, encapsulating a remarkable testimony to the manufacture's rich history.
The beauty of the Tri-Compax lies in its dial design, both complex yet balanced. Powered by the cal. 281 movement, the watch is instantly recognizable by its sculpted lugs with strong definition, giving incredible wrist presence.
Furthermore, the present Tri-Compax is a rare example with small chronograph pushers nicknamed “Spillino” by Itallian collectors. Though initially created as a sports watch, many surviving examples today exhibit heavy polishing from wear. Yet this Tri-Compax remains very well preserved, with crisp case number and reference markings, encapsulating a remarkable testimony to the manufacture's rich history.
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.