Universal Genève. A Fine and Very Rare Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch
This lot is offered without reserve.
Universal Genève. A Fine and Very Rare Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch

Signed Universal, Genève, Uni-Compax, Big Eye Model, Ref. 884100/01, Circa 1964

Details
Universal Genève. A Fine and Very Rare Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch
Signed Universal, Genève, Uni-Compax, Big Eye Model, Ref. 884100/01, Circa 1964
Cal. 23 mechanical movement stamped 125 and HOX, 17 jewels, black matte dial, baton numerals, luminous accents, luminous hands, fifth of a second divisions, outer tachymeter scale calibrated to a maximum of 1000 units on silvered chapter ring, two silvered sunken engine-turned subsidiary dials for 30 minutes and constant seconds, tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case, engraved screw back, two round chronograph buttons in the band, case, dial and movement signed
37mm diam.
Special notice
This lot is offered without reserve.

Lot Essay

According to the archives of Universal Genève, this Uni-Compax was manufactured between 1963 and 1965. Accompanied by a copy of an original Universal Genève advertisement from the 1960s detailing this reference.

Among the most aesthetically momentous and sought-after vintage chronographs by Universal Genève, the present timepiece is an example of a rare “Big Eye” Uni-Compax. The name stems from the larger 30 minutes register subsidiary dial. The alternation of the silvered and black finish of the dial, together with the red crosshairs present on the main dial as well as on the subsidiary dials, grant the timepiece an appeal and modernity rarely seen on vintage chronographs. The generous 37mm. diameter further boosts the wrist presence of this watch. With approximately 10 of these known, the condition and unpolished case make this a remarkable find. It is interesting to note the HOX stamp on the movement, denoting a watch originally imported and sold in the USA. The connoisseur will immediately notice this code is the same as the one found in Patek Philippe timepieces. This is because of the Henri Stern Watch Agency, Patek Philippe import agency for the United States and for a time was also in charge of the US importation of Universal Genève timepieces.

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