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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Universal Genève Medico-Compax Ref. 124103 18k Yellow Gold Chronograph Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Universal Genève Medico-Compax reference 124103 is a vintage chronograph wristwatch dated by the auction house to the late 1940s. The 38mm 18k yellow gold case houses a source-reported manual-wind Calibre 285 mechanical movement. Its silvered dial features applied dagger markers, Arabic numerals, gilt leaf hands, and two subsidiary registers for running seconds and a 45-minute counter. Measuring heart rates, the dial perimeter displays a blue track inscribed 'GRADUE POUR 15 PULSATIONS'. The watch features rectangular chronograph pushers, a smooth bezel, and is presented on a textured black leather strap.

Front view of the Universal Genève Medico-Compax wristwatch showing dial, hands, and case
Front view of the Universal Genève Medico-Compax wristwatch showing dial, hands, and case — Lyon & Turnbull. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.lyonandturnbull.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Universal Genève
Reference
124103
Catalogue / lot identifier
59
Source-reported date
late 1940s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1434398

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction and Condition

This Universal Genève Medico-Compax, reference 124103, features an 18k yellow gold case measuring 38mm in diameter. The configuration includes a smooth bezel and rectangular chronograph pushers.

Visual inspection reveals localized reddish-brown oxidation or tarnish along the upper right portion of the bezel and the adjacent case rim.

Evidence for this section
  • “18k yellow gold case with rectangular chronograph buttons”
  • “Diameter 38mm.”
  • “Shows visible reddish-brown oxidation or tarnish along the upper right bezel and case rim.”

Dial and Pulsations Scale

The silvered dial includes applied dagger and numeral markers, paired with gilt leaf-style hands and a blued steel chronograph seconds hand. It incorporates two subsidiary registers: one for running seconds and another for a 45-minute totalizer.

The dial perimeter displays an outer blue-printed track inscribed 'GRADUE POUR 15 PULSATIONS', designed for heart rate measurement. The source notes this feature distinguishes the Medico-Compax from the standard Uni-Compax.

Evidence for this section
  • “silvered dial with applied dagger and numeral indexes, subsidiary dials for seconds and 45 minute register, outer blue pulsations scale, gilt leaf hands, blued steel chronograph seconds hand”
  • “The dial displays an outer blue-printed track inscribed 'GRADUE POUR 15 PULSATIONS'.”

Mechanical Specification

The watch is reported to contain a Calibre 285 manual-wind mechanical movement. The auction documentation confirms that the case, dial, and movement are signed.

The source describes the model as having been released in 1945, noting that this specific example lacks shock-protection and is characterized as an early production model.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal.285 mechanical manual movement”
  • “Case, dial and movement signed.”
  • “Released in 1945, this example, without shock-protection, would have been an early production model.”

Open research questions

  • What is the underlying material of the strap that triggers CITES import/export restrictions?
  • Can the observed oxidation on the 18k yellow gold case be cleaned without professional risk to the hallmark integrity?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Universal Genève Medico-Compax Ref. 124103 18k Yellow Gold Chronograph Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference124103“Ref.124103”
Case Number1434398“Case No.1434398”
CalibreCal. 285 mechanical manual movement“Cal.285 mechanical manual movement”
Case Material18k yellow gold“18k yellow gold case with rectangular chronograph buttons”
Case Diameter38mm“Diameter 38mm.”
Scale TypeBase 15 pulsations scale“outer blue pulsations scale”
DateLate 1940s“made in the late 1940s”

Visible details

  • The dial displays an outer blue-printed track inscribed 'GRADUE POUR 15 PULSATIONS'.
  • Fitted with a black textured leather strap.
  • Shows visible reddish-brown oxidation or tarnish along the upper right bezel and case rim.

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement and case back are not visible in the provided photograph.
  • Specific strap material is unspecified in text, though CITES export restrictions are noted.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Universal, Geneve. A rare 18k yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with pulsations scale Medico-Compax, Ref.124103, Case No.1434398, made in the late 1940s | 21 November 2024

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 848079b8e1

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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