The 1950's Universal Genève Uni-Compax Chronograph

Vintage chronographs were a fascination I had with watches from when I first started getting into the hobby. There was something about the complication that struck me - maybe the fact that I could time whatever I want with it, maybe it was the additional sub-dials that I liked. Obviously being into vintage watches, there were a ton of watches to explore, from Omega Speedmasters to perpetual calendar chronographs from the likes of Patek Philippe. Something about Universal Genève chronographs though really took me to a different place. The Uni-Compax we are talking about today is the perfect example of exactly that.

Universal Genève first introduced uni-compax models in the 1940’s. the line of watches eventually replaced their Compur models and the manufacture made a ton of different references that had such variety. They came in different case sizes, metals, and dial configurations. The manufacture also produced tri-compax versions of these watches with an added level of complication. The watch you see today is a two sub register chronograph in 18k rose gold. It is a 38mm version which are more sought after by collectors.

The watch runs on the caliber 285 movement which was used in many uni-compax’s of the era. The dial matches exactly what Universal Genève had in mind for this watch, just with a bit of added patina for the age of the watch. What is great about these watches is it reminds one of the classic chronographs from Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, for example, at a much more accessible price-point. The variety of these watches also make it a fun era of watches to collect.

The watch is available on our store here.

Enjoy!