Universal Genève Tri-compax

UNIVERSAL, TRI-COMPAX, STEEL, REF. 22258, LUMINOUS DIAL

ICONEEK price: SOLD

Iconeek is very proud to introduced here a superb, highly attractive and original condition Triple date and moon phases steel chronograph by Universal, a Ref. 22258, Tri-Compax.

The Universal « Compax” was introduced in 1935, the world’s first chronograph wristwatch with hour and minute registers, and which was particularly appreciated by members of the armed forces. The models were available in different case materials and forms, and a variety of dial layouts using the names ‘Tri-Compax, Uni-Compax, and Aero-Compax’. According to Universal Genève archives, the present watch was made in 1945.

The present model has a three-body construction: a large steel tonneau-shaped case with faceted pointed lugs, rectangular chronograph pushers, correctors on the band, a rounded snap on bezel, a snap on case back, embossed inside with the Universal Geneve hallmark. The case back is deeply engraved outside with the the serial and reference numbers.

Under the hesalite glass, a superb and original cream patina, silvered dial with painted luminous Arabic numerals, Luminous blued steel Lozange hands, four subsidiary dials for the 30-minute register at 3, the 12-hour register at 6, the constant second at 9, the date combined with the moon phases at 12, apertures for the day and month, in French, minute and 1/5th second division with painted radial 5-minute Arabic numerals, outer blue tachymeter scale.

Under the snap on case back, we find a caliber 481, gilt finish, manual winding,  with straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance with timing screws, self-compensating blued steel  Breguet hairspring,  index regulator, column-wheel mechanism. The chronograph bridge is engraved « Universal Geneve Swiss ». The size between the lugs is 17 mm. Dial, case and movement are signed.

This wonderful example is set with a rare luminous dial that shows a warm ageing with still crisp printing, a very well preserved cased, with only minor signs of wear, a great movement, making this particular example a must for collectors.

Condition: 9/10, Difficult to find such a good 1945 vintage chronograph, a little lost of luminous in the minute hand.