Universal Genève Tri-Compax 12552

Universal Geneve Tri-Compax 1945 Calendar Chronograph Moon Vintage Gold Watch

Here is what I think is one of the most beautiful watches ever made in original condition, with a spectacular engraving on the back to go with a great story of father and son ownership for 80 years. The Tri-Compax was created in 1944 in celebration of Universal Geneve’s 50th anniversary, making this an early offering in the line. The watch is reference number 12552 and dates to 1945. According to Sala’s book, Universal Geneve only made 1,244 of the reference, making it exceedingly rare to find, particularly in original condition with attractive, consistent patina. It’s listed at 37mm but measures to 36.5mm, a larger watch for the day. What captivated me about this watch was the complicated yet uncluttered dial and the enchanting character in the moon face. I learned about the brand and found this particular watch from the Universal Geneve subforum on Omega Forums. A Universal Geneve expert on the forum posted this specific watch available in a Swedish auction and cited it as a rare reference in original condition. The photos with white background are from the auction listing. As a vintage watch, it understandably does not come with original box or papers, but I do have my auction receipt. After I bought it one year ago, I brought it to the foremost vintage watch shop in Los Angeles, which brought Universal Geneve to my attention in the first place, and they verified that it was a fine example in original condition. I’m a storyteller, and the auction house attached a great story about this particular watch that moved me. A man bought the watch new in 1945 to mark the birth of his son, then gifted it to his son when he was 21 years old, having the son’s initials and the date of 1966 engraved on the back in a font and style you just don't see anymore. Father and son owned the watch for 80 years before the son put it up for auction. The manual-wound Cal. 287 impressively houses not only a full three-register chronograph but also a triple calendar and moon phase complication on a sophisticated dial with no overlap. The calendar and moon phase are controlled from buttons on the left side that you can push with a tooth pick or golf tee. All functions are operational and the watch keeps reasonable time for being 80+ years old, off about 80 seconds a day when I got it. It was last serviced in 2011. I've only worn it about 10 times over the past year, saving it for special occasions. I think the watch has a nice, even patina for 80+ years old. Perhaps the condition could be improved with a cleaning and new acrylic crystal, but I don't mind an 80-year-old watch looking like it was worn and enjoyed by father and son. The leather strap is a 1970s Di-Modell with nice patina that fits the watch perfectly. Universal Geneve used to be right up there with Rolex and Patek Philippe in terms of high-end Swiss horology (literally having its building in between the two top brands in Geneva). Then came the Quartz fad of the 70s and 80s, and Universal Geneve didn’t survive. After a Hong Kong-based holding company wasted the brand for decades, Breitling bought it and just announced an exciting lineup for relaunching Universal Geneve this year, including a new Compax. The coming relaunch makes it a perfect time to grab a vintage Universal Geneve, as prices are sure to increase. I expected to keep this watch for a long time, but life changed course. I can meet in the Los Angeles area this month for an in-person viewing.