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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Universal Geneve Compax Chronograph (Tri-Compax layout)

Partially verified

This Universal Geneve Compax chronograph is a vintage timepiece from the 1940s. The watch is housed in a 35mm case constructed from 18k rose gold, featuring decorative 'fancy lugs' and rectangular chronograph pushers. The dial displays applied dot hour markers, an Arabic numeral 12, and an outer tachymeter scale (Base 1000) without luminous material. The central hour and minute hands are rose gold, while the central chronograph seconds hand and the three sub-dial hands are blued steel. The watch is powered by a manual-wind caliber 285 movement, which incorporates a column-wheel mechanism. The timepiece is paired with a brown leather strap and, according to the source, has been serviced by the auction house's watchmaker.

Front view of the Universal Geneve Compax chronograph featuring a rose gold case and blued steel hands.
Front view of the Universal Geneve Compax chronograph featuring a rose gold case and blued steel hands. — Bulang & Sons / Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Universal Geneve
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1940s
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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 Dial

The watch features a 35mm case manufactured from 18k rose gold. The exterior design incorporates decorative elements known as 'fancy lugs' and rectangular pushers positioned at the side of the case, paired with a prominent rose gold crown.

The dial includes applied dot markers at the hour positions, with the number 12 represented by an Arabic numeral. The periphery of the dial bears a tachymeter scale calibrated to Base 1000. Luminous material is absent from the dial. Rose gold is used for the central hour and minute hands, while the seconds hand and sub-dial hands are crafted from blued steel to provide contrast.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت با قطر ۳۵ میلی‌متر از طلای رزگلد ۱۸ عیار ساخته شده”
  • “وجود پایه‌های تزئینی موسوم به «Fancy Lugs»”
  • “مقیاس تاکی‌متر پایه ۱۰۰۰ (Base 1000) بدون مواد شب‌نما”
  • “عقربه‌های مرکزی ساعت‌شمار و دقیقه‌شمار از طلای رزگلد ساخته شده‌اند، در حالی که عقربه ثانیه‌شمار مرکزی کرنوگراف و سه عقربه مربوط به صفحه‌های فرعی از فولاد آبی‌رنگ”

Movement

The timepiece is driven by a Universal Geneve caliber 285 manual-wind movement.

According to the source documentation, the movement has been examined and technically checked by a watchmaker associated with the listing.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور مکانیکی کوک دستی کالیبر ۲۸۵ برند Universal Geneve (UG Cal 285)”
  • “این کالیبر کرنوگراف که ساختاری کلاسیک با چرخ ستونی دارد”
  • “مکانیزم این ساعت توسط ساعت‌ساز مجموعه بررسی و بازبینی فنی شده است”
  • “با یک سال گارانتی کارکرد مکانیکی به همراه یک کیف چرمی دست‌دوز تک‌عددی ارائه می‌شود”

Provenance and Presentation

The watch is presented as a vintage model dating to the 1940s. The set includes a brown leather strap and a custom, handmade leather pouch.

The attribution of the watch is based on the seller's provided documentation, and the collection notes mention the piece was subject to inspection prior to being offered for sale.

Evidence for this section
  • “با یک سال گارانتی کارکرد مکانیکی به همراه یک کیف چرمی دست‌دوز تک‌عددی ارائه می‌شود”
  • “مکانیزم این ساعت توسط ساعت‌ساز مجموعه بررسی و بازبینی فنی شده است”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production year within the 1940s for this movement serial?
  • Does the case back carry specific model-related engravings consistent with the Compax reference?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Universal Geneve Compax Chronograph (Tri-Compax layout)
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerUniversal Geneve“Universal Geneve”
ModelCompax“Universal Geneve Compax”
Case material18k rose gold“طلای رزگلد ۱۸ عیار”
MovementCaliber 285“کالیبر ۲۸۵ برند Universal Geneve (UG Cal 285)”
Case diameter35mm“قطر ۳۵ میلی‌متر”
FunctionsChronograph“کرنوگراف”
Service statusServiced by source watchmaker“مکانیزم این ساعت توسط ساعت‌ساز مجموعه بررسی و بازبینی فنی شده است”

Visible details

  • Applied dot hour markers
  • Blued steel hands for chronograph functions
  • Manual wind movement with column-wheel

Research qualifications

  • No movement or case serial number provided
  • Exact year of manufacture is not specified beyond '1940s'

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی کرنوگراف Universal Geneve Compax طلا رزگلد ۱۸ عیار

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 6dea5ddc6c

Terms in this record

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

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