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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch

Universal Genève Compax 'Nina Rindt' Chronograph Ref. 885103/02

Partially verified

This 1967 Universal Genève Compax, reference 885103/02, is a stainless steel manual-winding chronograph. Known as the 'Nina Rindt' model, the watch features a 36mm twisted-lug case, a black tachymeter bezel with 'dot over 90' calibration, and a 'Mk. I' satin white dial with contrasting black registers. The dial includes applied hour indices and original tritium lume plots. It is powered by a manual-wind movement, though specific movement details are not provided. The watch is fitted with an original Universal Genève-signed Gay Frères bracelet with UM end links. The auction description reports the watch is in preserved condition, noting consistent aging to the tritium hands and dial plots. The watch is accompanied by no additional items, and its service history remains unknown to the current vendor.

Frontal view of the Universal Genève Compax 'Nina Rindt' showing the dial, tachymeter bezel, and bracelet.
Frontal view of the Universal Genève Compax 'Nina Rindt' showing the dial, tachymeter bezel, and bracelet. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Universal Genève
Reference
885103/02
Catalogue / lot identifier
UGC885103/02NR-2
Source-reported date
1967
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
245XXXX

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 Bracelet Construction

The watch is housed in a 36mm stainless steel case characterized by twisted lugs. The auction description reports that the case retains its original pump pushers and a Universal Genève-signed crown. The bezel features a black 'dot over 90' tachymeter scale. The crystal is original to the object and bears the company logo at the center point.

The piece is supplied with a steel Gay Frères bracelet incorporating UM end links. The bracelet comprises 15 links in total, which the source states fits wrists up to approximately 6.75 inches. The auction description reports that the engravings for the reference and serial numbers on the case back remain legible.

Evidence for this section
  • “The handsome twisted-lug case remains exceptionally well preserved”
  • “The original black “Dot Over 90” tachymeter bezel is in excellent condition”
  • “The case retains its original pump pushers and the correct Universal Genève–signed crown.”
  • “The watch is accompanied by its original Universal Genève–signed Gay Frères bracelet with correct UM end links.”

Dial and Hands

The timepiece features a 'Mk. I' satin white dial configured with black sub-dials. The dial displays applied markers and original tritium lume plots which have aged to a darker tone. Under ultraviolet inspection, the dial lume shows degradation consistent with the age of the object.

The chronograph hand is blued, accompanied by steel hour and minute hands. The transitional midsize sub-dial hands include original pale green tritium lume. The hour and minute hands feature a pale green patina, and the auction description reports that these hands show no degradation upon inspection.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original "Mk. I" satin white "panda" dial with black sub-dials, and applied logo is in beautiful, exceptionally well-preserved condition”
  • “The tritium lume plots remain partially intact throughout, having aged to an attractive beige to dark grey coloration.”
  • “The transitional "midsize" sub-dial hands are original to the watch and feature the original pale green tritium lume”
  • “The original steel tritium hour and minute hands, along with the correct blued chronograph hand, remain in excellent condition.”

Provenance and History

This specific reference has become associated with Nina Rindt, a fashion model of the 1960s. The source describes the watch as having been a gift from her husband, the Formula One driver Jochen Rindt.

The object is noted by the vendor for its historical presence in the motorsport sector of the 1960s. The auction description reports that the timepiece was intended as a functional chronograph for the high-octane racing environment.

Evidence for this section
  • “Jochen, himself closely associated with the Heuer Autavia ref. 2446, gifted Nina the Universal Genève Compax ref. 885103/02.”
  • “What began as a functional chronograph worn in the high-octane world of motorsport would go on to become one of the most coveted and recognizable vintage chronographs of all time”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific caliber number of the movement utilized in the 885103/02 reference?
  • Are there archival records from Universal Genève that confirm the production year 1967 for this specific serial number range?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Universal Genève Compax 'Nina Rindt' Chronograph Ref. 885103/02
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandUniversal Geneve“Brand Universal Geneve”
Reference885103/02“Model 885103/02”
Serial245XXXX“Serial 245XXXX”
Date1967“1967 Universal Geneve Compax (Ref. 885103/02) Mk. I Dial "Nina Rindt”
Case MaterialStainless Steel“Material Stainless Steel”
DialSatin White "Mk. I" W/ Black Sub-Dials“Dial Satin White "Mk. I" W/ Black Sub-Dials”
BraceletUniversal Geneve "Gay Freres" Bracelet W/ UM End Pieces“Bracelet Universal Geneve "Gay Freres" Bracelet W/ UM End Pieces”

Visible details

  • Satin white 'Mk. I' dial with three black sub-dials
  • Black 'dot over 90' tachymeter bezel
  • Universal Genève-signed crown and original crystal with center logo
  • Stainless steel Gay Frères bracelet with UM end links

Research qualifications

  • Service history is unknown to the vendor
  • The exact movement specification is not provided in the source description

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Universal Geneve Compax مدل Nina Rindt (Ref. 885103/02) محصول ۱۹۶۷

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record f52b4bfbb7

Terms in this record

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

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