A beautifully honest Universal Genève Uni-Compax dating from approximately 1946–1949, powered by the celebrated in-house calibre 285 manual wind chronograph movement.
Universal Genève occupies a special place in chronograph history, producing some of the finest wrist chronographs of the twentieth century. The Uni-Compax models are particularly sought after, combining elegant proportions with exceptional movement quality and timeless design.
This example retains its original silver dial featuring striking Art Deco Arabic numerals at 12 and 6, applied hour markers and blue tachymeter scale. The dial has developed attractive age-related patina throughout, giving the watch genuine vintage character that collectors appreciate. The blued chronograph seconds hand and twin recessed sub-dials remain crisp and well balanced.
Inside is the superb Universal Genève calibre 285, one of the company's most respected column-wheel chronograph movements. It has recently been serviced and is running excellently. The chronograph starts, stops and resets cleanly to zero exactly as it should.
The gold-plated case measures 35mm excluding the crown, offering excellent wrist presence while retaining classic mid-century proportions. As shown in the photographs, the case exhibits honest wear with plating loss, scuffs and marks consistent with almost eighty years of careful use. It has been left unpolished, preserving its originality.
The watch is fitted to a brand new olive leather strap with an aftermarket buckle, complementing its warm vintage tones perfectly.
Rather than a restored example, this is an authentic survivor with honest patina, a beautifully preserved movement and all the charm that only an original vintage chronograph can offer.
Specifications
Universal Genève Uni-Compax
Circa 1946–1949
Reference 42410
Serial 1305073
35mm gold-plated case (excluding crown)
Original silver dial
Original Art Deco numerals at 12 and 6
Blue tachymeter scale
Universal Genève calibre 285 manual wind column-wheel chronograph
Recently serviced
Brand new olive leather strap
Aftermarket buckle
About the Calibre 285
The calibre 285 is one of Universal Genève's finest manually wound column-wheel chronograph movements. Renowned for its elegant architecture, smooth chronograph action and reliability, it represents the high standard of Swiss chronograph manufacturing during the post-war period. Today it remains highly regarded by collectors and watchmakers alike for both its engineering and serviceability.
A beautifully honest Universal Genève Uni-Compax dating from approximately 1946–1949, powered by the celebrated in-house calibre 285 manual wind chronograph movement.
Universal Genève occupies a special place in chronograph history, producing some of the finest wrist chronographs of the twentieth century. The Uni-Compax models are particularly sought after, combining elegant proportions with exceptional movement quality and timeless design.
This example retains its original silver dial featuring striking Art Deco Arabic numerals at 12 and 6, applied hour markers and blue tachymeter scale. The dial has developed attractive age-related patina throughout, giving the watch genuine vintage character that collectors appreciate. The blued chronograph seconds hand and twin recessed sub-dials remain crisp and well balanced.
Inside is the superb Universal Genève calibre 285, one of the company's most respected column-wheel chronograph movements. It has recently been serviced and is running excellently. The chronograph starts, stops and resets cleanly to zero exactly as it should.
The gold-plated case measures 35mm excluding the crown, offering excellent wrist presence while retaining classic mid-century proportions. As shown in the photographs, the case exhibits honest wear with plating loss, scuffs and marks consistent with almost eighty years of careful use. It has been left unpolished, preserving its originality.
The watch is fitted to a brand new olive leather strap with an aftermarket buckle, complementing its warm vintage tones perfectly.
Rather than a restored example, this is an authentic survivor with honest patina, a beautifully preserved movement and all the charm that only an original vintage chronograph can offer.
Specifications
Universal Genève Uni-Compax
Circa 1946–1949
Reference 42410
Serial 1305073
35mm gold-plated case (excluding crown)
Original silver dial
Original Art Deco numerals at 12 and 6
Blue tachymeter scale
Universal Genève calibre 285 manual wind column-wheel chronograph
Recently serviced
Brand new olive leather strap
Aftermarket buckle
About the Calibre 285
The calibre 285 is one of Universal Genève's finest manually wound column-wheel chronograph movements. Renowned for its elegant architecture, smooth chronograph action and reliability, it represents the high standard of Swiss chronograph manufacturing during the post-war period. Today it remains highly regarded by collectors and watchmakers alike for both its engineering and serviceability.
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