Universal Genève Tri-Compax 881101/02

Ref. 881101/02A fine and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with triple calendar, moon phases, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Manufacturer: Universal Year: 1966 Reference No: 881101/02 Case No: 2’471’956 Model Name: Tri-Compax Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 281, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Gay Frères/Universal stainless steel bracelet, endlinks stamped UP, max length 190 mm Clasp/Buckle: Gay Frères/Universal stainless steel deployant clasp, stamped 4.66 Dimensions: 36 mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and bracelet signed Accessories: With Universal Geneve certificate of guarantee signed by a Japanese retailer, blank registration card, service manual, Universal Geneve azure presentation box and outer packaging To commemorate their golden jubilee anniversary in 1944, Universal Genève released the Tri-Compax as the new flagship model. The Tri-Compax gets its name from the three complications featured in the watch — triple calendar (day, date and month), chronograph and moon phases. The watch is by all means one of the most ground-breaking chronograph wristwatches of the period. With so much going on, the beauty of the Tri-Compax is how perfectly balanced and legible the dial is. The registers are well-proportioned, among the hour markers accented by luminous hour plots. The Tri-Compax reference 881101 is often referred to by the name of the famous person who wore it — none other than celebrated guitarist Eric Clapton. The present Tri-Compax, made in 1966 and confirmed by the manufacturer, is from the second series of the legendary reference, featuring a bright red chronograph hand. The luminous materials on the dial are intact, and react well under the UV light. Most notably, the watch is also complimented by a vintage azure presentation box, papers, and comes with a stainless steel strap manufactured by Gay Frères. In this complete condition, this watch is an excellent example of an early execution of this iconic model.