Universal Geneve Compax Manual Wind Chronograph - 22498 - Rare

Specifications

Year: 1940s

Box/Papers: Yes/Yes
Reference: 22498

Serial: 12XXXXX
Case size: 34.5mm (37mm with crown) x 43mm with lugs 
Movement: Universal Chronograhp 285 Manual Wind

Crystal: Sapphire
Strap Size: Full length

Condition

We present for sale the incredible Universal Geneve Compax Chronograph from mid to late 1940s. The watch displays a beautifully aged silver/champagne dial featuring a traditional triple-register (three sub-dial) setup layout. Standard time is tracked via central hour and minute hands pointing to styled Arabic numerals and dot markers, while a long, slender central seconds hand sweeps across an outer blue tachymeter scale to measure speed over a fixed distance. The three sub-dials divide timing tasks seamlessly: the sub-dial at 9 o'clock acts as the continuous running seconds indicator to show the movement is active, the 3 o'clock register serves as a 30-minute chronograph counter, notable for its elongated markers at 3, 6, and 9 minutes historically used to track payphone call durations, and the 6 o'clock register tracks longer events up to 12 elapsed hours. This piece is in spectacular vintage condition, still showing its original brushwork finish and only common light wear. Mechanically, this watch is working very well in all its functions and keeps excellent time within vintage specifications. 

Dial - The dial is in lovely vintage condition showing light patina at closer look, which adds to its vintage charm.

Case - The case is in excellent condition showing light common signs of wear.

Strap - We have put this magnificent watch on a new dark blue leather strap, which suits the watch perfectly.

Movement - The Universal Geneve manual wind movement in this watch is in excellent order and is keeping excellent time. 

Crown - The original crown and pushers are working well.

Crystal - The acrylic crystal on this watch is in fantastic condition, showing only very fine wear under a loupe. 

Back Case - The case back remains in excellent condition, showing only common wear, all the markings are still nice and clear.

For a watch of this age, this piece is in spectacular order and is ready to wear!

If you have any further questions about this piece, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email or Instagram.

@thewristwatcher1

thewristwatcher1@gmail.com

Terms of sale

Please note these are vintage timepieces and their timekeeping abilities will never be the same as modern equivalents. We ensure that all of our watches are keeping time within vintage specification.

We are a registered limited company and can be found on Companies House and therefore are legally required to accept returns within 14 days and provide our customers with fully authentic timepieces.

We guarantee the full authenticity of all out of timepieces. Each piece is fully tested and inspected by our watchmaker to ensure both full functionality and authenticity.

International customers are responsible for customs charges when receiving a purchase.

We cannot guarantee any water resistance due to the age of these watches.

Returns

Customers may return their purchased item within 14 days of delivery date as long as the item(s) are returned in the same condition as received.

International buyers are responsible for customs charges that apply when returning an item.

T2811

1257575