Universal Genève Compax 222101/1
The Compax series of chronographs are some of the most iconic and well-known models from Universal Genève's rich history. The model line hit the market in 1936 and would come to include a number of different "Compax" variations, such as the Aero-Compax, Uni-Compax, Tri-Compax, and Dato-Compax. Universal Genève offered these chronographs in a variety of configurations and case metals. Stainless steel cases with luminous dials and hands were meant to be "tool watches" in the era, where gold cases with non-luminous dials and hands were more formal and dressy. The Compax line was sold at retailers like Henri Stern in New York and proved to be a great success at its lower price point compared to other chronographs it shared a showroom with.
Universal Genève archives and research show that this model came in a multitude of shapes and with a variety of features in just over 185 different Compax references. Throughout the decades, the series went through a design evolution, but it did not lose its main purpose as a reliable tool watch with keeping functionality and legibility in the forefront. This example is housed in a nicely proportioned 36mm case featuring beautiful lyre lugs and an original signed crown. The silver sunburst dial has gained a light patina (almost looks grayish in certain lights), and the sunken sub-dials with concentric circles give additional depth to the dial. The white/blue tachymeter scale on the outer track and blued steel chronograph seconds hand give the watch a nice accent. The in-house movement and case back are both signed.
Today, this Compax presents with a great patina specifically to the linen inner dial portion which makes it stand out next to the pure white outer tachymeter scale. Given the silver and white tones of the dial, the blued steel chronograph seconds and sub-register hands really sign and stand out.
Playing off of those blued steel hands, this watch is paired with a new, textured blue leather strap with a NOS UG tang buckle.
This exact model sold on Hodinkee in their vintage watch shop for $8,400. Universal Genève Compax 222101/1
$486
$
7,790
Basic Info
Listing code I9BXX7
Brand Universal Genève
Model Compax
Reference number 222101/1
Movement Manual winding
Case material Steel
Bracelet material Leather
Year of production 1960 (Approximation)
Condition Very good (Worn with little to no signs of wear)
Scope of delivery No original box, no original papers
Gender Men's watch/Unisex
Location United States of America, Florida, Sarasota
Price $7,790 [Negotiable]
Availability Item is in stock
Caliber
Movement Manual winding
Caliber/movement UG 281
Case
Case material Steel
Case diameter 36 mm
Try it on
Thickness 12 mm
Crystal Plexiglass
Bracelet/strap
Bracelet material Leather
Bracelet color Blue
Clasp Buckle
Clasp material Steel
Functions
Chronograph
The Compax series of chronographs are some of the most iconic and well-known models from Universal Genève's rich history. The model line hit the market in 1936 and would come to include a number of different "Compax" variations, such as the Aero-Compax, Uni-Compax, Tri-Compax, and Dato-Compax. Universal Genève offered these chronographs in a variety of configurations and case metals. Stainless steel cases with luminous dials and hands were meant to be "tool watches" in the era, where gold cases with non-luminous dials and hands were more formal and dressy. The Compax line was sold at retailers like Henri Stern in New York and proved to be a great success at its lower price point compared to other chronographs it shared a showroom with.
Universal Genève archives and research show that this model came in a multitude of shapes and with a variety of features in just over 185 different Compax references. Throughout the decades, the series went through a design evolution, but it did not lose its main purpose as a reliable tool watch with keeping functionality and legibility in the forefront. This example is housed in a nicely proportioned 36mm case featuring beautiful lyre lugs and an original signed crown. The silver sunburst dial has gained a light patina (almost looks grayish in certain lights), and the sunken sub-dials with concentric circles give additional depth to the dial. The white/blue tachymeter scale on the outer track and blued steel chronograph seconds hand give the watch a nice accent. The in-house movement and case back are both signed.
Today, this Compax presents with a great patina specifically to the linen inner dial portion which makes it stand out next to the pure white outer tachymeter scale. Given the silver and white tones of the dial, the blued steel chronograph seconds and sub-register hands really sign and stand out.
Playing off of those blued steel hands, this watch is paired with a new, textured blue leather strap with a NOS UG tang buckle.
This exact model sold on Hodinkee in their vintage watch shop for $8,400.
