Universal Genève Compax Ref. 22499

UNIVERSAL GENEVE, COMPAX, REF. 22499

ICONEEK price: SOLD

Iconeek is proud to introduce here a very nice and attractive, large, vintage, water-resistant, manual winding, Enversteel Compax chronograph by Universal Genève, a reference 22499. The model is a rare oversized stainless steel chronograph, with Spillmann case, manufactured circa 1943. The “Compax” model was introduced in 1935, the world’s first chronograph wristwatch with hour and minute registers, particularly appreciated by army forces. The models were available in different case materials and forms with a variety of dial layouts.

With its 38 mm., this Spillmann case impress still today. The casemaker C. R. Spillmann SA is indeed renowned for its waterproof cases for chronograph makers like UG, Doxa, Rolex  (where its name is abbreviated C.R.S. in the Oyster cases). As a true Universal Genève, this Compax nicely combines its practical abilities with some dressy attributes. Trained eyes will recognized that the same case design is used for the Reference 22410. The present model has a two-body construction: a large water-resistant-type circular case, with downturned lapidated lugs and two round chronograph buttons in the band, screwed case back. Collectors of rare vintage chronographs have been drawn to the beauty of the crisp 38mm Compax cases.

Under the plexiglass crystal, we find a silvered (patinated) dial with painted luminous Arabic numerals, minute and second division with radial 5-minute Arabic numerals, outer tachymeter scale, three subsidiary dials for the constant second at 9, the 30-minute register at 3, the 12-hour register at 6, blued steel Lozange luminous hands, blued steel chronograph hands. The model is powered by a caliber UG 285, jewelled mechanical movement, manual winding, with gilt finish, straight line lever escapement, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, monometallic balance with timing screws, column-wheel chronograph mechanism. Dial, case and movement are signed.

In attractive and original overall condition, this oversized  “Compax” chronograph will pleased every UG fans as well as any great large stainless steel vintage chronograph’s collectors, made between in the 1940s.

Condition: 8.5/10, great overall condition, dial nicely patinated, in working condition