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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Universal Genève Vintage Steel Chronograph Wristwatch

Partially verified

This vintage Universal Genève wristwatch features a 33.00 mm steel case housing a manual-wind movement with chronograph complication. The matte silvered dial displays patination and spotting, an Arabic numeral 12, dot hour markers, an outer tachymeter scale, and three subsidiary registers at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. Dial inscriptions report Universal Genève and Compax. According to the auction house, the inner case back is stamped Universal Genève, while the exterior case back is stamped with numbers 972700 and 22274. The watch is mounted on a blue and red striped nylon strap with a base metal tang buckle.

Front view of the Universal Genève Compax chronograph on a blue and red nylon strap
Front view of the Universal Genève Compax chronograph on a blue and red nylon strap — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
freemansauction.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Universal Genève
Reference
22274
Catalogue / lot identifier
94
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
972700

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 and External Architecture

The timepiece features a steel case with a recorded diameter of 33.00 mm. The exterior case back is stamped with the numbers '972700' and '22274'. Observable condition notes include heavy scratches on the case back.

The case is fitted with chronograph pushers positioned at the 2 and 4 o'clock locations. The watch is secured to the wrist via a blue and red nylon strap with a base metal tang buckle.

Evidence for this section
  • “33.00 mm case diameter”
  • “Case back stamp: 972700 22274.”
  • “There are some heavy scratches on the case back.”
  • “blue and red nylon strap, base metal tang buckle.”

Dial Characteristics

The dial features a matte silvered finish, marked with black dot and Arabic numerals and an outer tachymeter chapter ring. The layout includes subsidiary registers at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions.

The dial displays patination and discoloration. The dial is signed 'UNIVERSAL GENEVE' and 'COMPAX'.

Evidence for this section
  • “matte silvered dial, black dot and Arabic numerals with outer tachymeter chapter ring”
  • “subdials at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock for hours, minutes and seconds respectively”
  • “There is patination and discoloration to the dial.”
  • “Inner case back stamp: UNIVERSAL GENEVE.”

Mechanical Status and Source Limitations

The watch contains a manual-wind movement with a chronograph function. The source reports that the watch winds, sets, and runs at the time of cataloging, though it has not been timed for accuracy.

The auction source provides no warranty regarding the timepiece and notes that authenticity of individual parts is not guaranteed as repairs or restoration may have occurred.

Evidence for this section
  • “manual wind movement with chronograph function”
  • “The watch winds, sets and runs at the time of cataloguing but has not been timed for accuracy.”
  • “The authenticity of individual parts is not guaranteed since repairs and restoration may have occurred.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber housed within reference 22274?
  • Are the hands original to the production of this reference?
  • Can the serial number 972700 be verified against Universal Genève archives to confirm manufacture date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Universal Genève Vintage Steel Chronograph Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Diameter33.00 mm“33.00 mm case diameter”
Movement TypeManual wind movement with chronograph function“manual wind movement with chronograph function”
Case Back Stamping972700 22274“Case back stamp: 972700 22274.”
Inner Case Back StampUNIVERSAL GENEVE“Inner case back stamp: UNIVERSAL GENEVE.”
StrapBlue and red nylon strap, base metal tang buckle“blue and red nylon strap, base metal tang buckle.”
Length5 1/4 to 8 1/2 inches“The watch measures approximately 5 1/4 to 8 1/2 inches long.”

Visible details

  • Patinated dial surface with noticeable spotting and aging throughout
  • Luminescent sword-style hour and minute hands
  • Chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock flanking the winding crown
  • Dial text includes 'UNIVERSAL GENEVE' above center and 'COMPAX' below center

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber is not specified in the catalogue text, and movement photographs are absent
  • Production date is not stated in the source

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

Consulted source

UNIVERSAL GENEVE, VINTAGE, STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 1288667e2b

Terms in this record

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

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