FS: Magnificent Vintage Universal Genève Compax 3-Register Chronograph - $2499

[eelpie]

This is an amazing, early example of the world's first three-register chronograph, the Universal Genève Compax in excellent condition.

Introduced in 1936, this watch is one of the earliest water resistant chronographs, as evidenced by the round pushers and screw-down case-back.

The archivists at Universal Genève provided this . . .

" . . . the age of your vintage watch Universal Genève Compax chronograph model 22410 (serial numbered 828'xxx) produced between 1941 and 1942.

At that time and until the late 40's, our crowns were not stamped; therefore, we think that the crown of your chronograph is the original one."

The watch has just received a full service by Palmer's Jewellers, the Rolex AD for KoKoMo, Indiana; the 17 jewel Universal Genève Calibre 285 is operating flawlessly.

Interestingly about the calibre 285, while the chronograph sweep-seconds hand and the minute counter hand snap back at the touch of the re-set (bottom) button, the hour counter at 6 o'clock requires that you hold the button down until the hand has worked its way back to the set, 12 o'clock position.

As Adam Parrish of Palmer's Jeweller's explains it, and as UG in Suisse confirms, there is no provision for an instantaneous hammer re-set for the 12 hour counter on the early UG Calibre 285 . . .

$2499, plus actual carriage.

Please contact me through the board's PM or e-mail system. Postage will be determined by the service desired, and the delivery address or region.