Universal Genève Tri-Compax Universal Geneve

Universal Genève. An 18K gold triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases

Universal Genève. An 18K gold triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases Signed Universal Genève, Tri-Compax, case no. 12'296, serial no. 1'468'014, manufactured in 1951 Movement : mechanical, cal. 481, 17 jewels, stamped HOX Dial: silvered dial, gold dagger indexes Case: snap-on back Signed: case, dial and movement Dimensions: 38 mm. diam. With: Universal Genève Extract from the Archives confirming the manufacture of the present watch in 1951 , This lot is offered without reserve. On lots marked with an + in the catalogue, VAT will be charged at 8% on both the premium as well as the hammer price. Many of the watches offered for sale in this catalogue are pictured with straps made of endangered or protected animal materials such as alligator or crocodile. These endangered species straps are shown for display purposes only and are not for sale. Christie’s will remove and retain the strap prior to shipment from the sale site. At some sale sites, Christie’s may, at its discretion, make the displayed endangered species strap available to the buyer of the lot free of charge if collected in person from the sale site within 1 year of the date of the sale. Please check with the department for details on a particular lot.Universal Genève produced the Tri-Compax from the 1940s through the 1960s. The Tri-Compax watches came in a variety of sizes and styles but each model presented the following three complications: chronograph, triple calendar and moon phase. The name “Tri-Compax” was given after these three functions. It is also interesting to note that the present watch is stamped HOX on its movement. This stamp relates to the American import hallmark of the Henri Stern Agencies. The famous retailer is mostly known for selling Patek Philippe in America but in fact he was also representing the Universal Genève brand. This very chic co-representation is nicely illustrated in the recent book published by Nicholas Foulkes: Patek Philippe The Authorized Biography , p.186.