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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph with full calendar and moonphase

Universal Genève Tri-Compax 'Eric Clapton'

Partially verified

The Universal Genève Tri-Compax, often designated as the 'Eric Clapton' model, is a manual-wind chronograph wristwatch featuring a comprehensive calendar complication and a moonphase display. First introduced in the 1940s, this specific variant dates to 1967 and represents a core development within the Universal Genève Tri-Compax line. The watch is constructed with a stainless steel case featuring screw-down case back, pump-style pushers, and a crown bearing the company signature. The white 'panda' dial incorporates three black sub-dials, a black external tachymeter bezel, applied hour markers with luminous tritium, and baton-style luminous hands. It operates on the manual-wind caliber 281 movement, which integrates the chronograph and full calendar functions. The piece is fitted with a black alligator leather strap with a stainless steel buckle. The watch exhibits signs of prior usage on its surfaces.

Front view of the Universal Genève Tri-Compax showing the white panda dial, tachymeter scale, and calendar sub-dials.
Front view of the Universal Genève Tri-Compax showing the white panda dial, tachymeter scale, and calendar sub-dials. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph with full calendar and moonphase
Maker / attribution
Universal Genève
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1967
Source-reported place
سوئیس

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

Design and Complications

The Tri-Compax is recognized as the most complex model series within the Universal Genève range. This watch displays a comprehensive array of data, incorporating a chronograph function alongside a full calendar displaying day, date, month, and moonphase. The layout includes four sub-dials integrated into a white 'panda' configuration with black registers, providing readability despite the amount of information displayed on the face.

The external tachymeter scale is printed on a black bezel insert, framing the dial. The hour markers and baton hands are equipped with tritium luminous material. The case design utilizes a stainless steel construction with a screw-down back and pump-style pushers, complemented by a signed crown. The watch is accompanied by a black alligator leather strap with a matching steel buckle.

Evidence for this section
  • “پیچیده‌ترین مدل این خانواده بود که علاوه بر کرنوگراف، دارای تقویم کامل شامل روز، تاریخ، ماه و نمایشگر فاز ماه بود.”
  • “دارای بدنه فولادی، صفحه «پاندا» و مقیاس سرعت‌سنج (تاکی‌متر) خارجی است.”
  • “ویژگی‌هایی نظیر پشت بدنه پیچی، تاج امضا شده، دکمه‌های فشاری پمپی، صفحه سفید تمیز، قاب تاکی‌متر مشکی”

Movement and Mechanism

This timepiece is powered by the Universal Genève caliber 281, a manual-wind movement. This caliber is designed with an integrated calendar mechanism, allowing the chronograph functionality to exist in conjunction with the various calendar indications.

The manual-wind operation requires periodic user intervention to keep the watch running. The mechanical complexity of the caliber 281 enables the simultaneous tracking of chronograph seconds and sub-register functions alongside the perpetual-style calendar features visible on the dial, including the sub-dial for the moonphase and date.

Evidence for this section
  • “این ساعت از موتور کوکی کالیبر 281 یونیورسال ژنو بهره می‌برد که دارای مکانیزم تقویم یکپارچه است.”

Provenance and Condition

The watch is frequently referred to by collectors as the 'Eric Clapton' model, referencing its link to the musician. This designation has become a standard association for this specific iteration of the Tri-Compax, which was introduced in 1967.

The provided information regarding the watch's origin and historical designation is sourced from external documentation provided by the seller.

Evidence for this section
  • “این ساعت مچی که با نام «Eric Clapton» شناخته می‌شود، یکی از مشهورترین مدل‌های کرنوگراف شرکت یونیورسال ژنو است.”
  • “آثار استفاده روی ساعت نشان‌دهنده زندگی پرماجرای آن بر مچ صاحب قبلی‌اش است.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production serial number range for this reference to confirm its 1967 manufacturing date?
  • What are the specific variations between this model and other Tri-Compax references from the same era?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Universal Genève Tri-Compax 'Eric Clapton'
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerUniversal Genève“شرکت یونیورسال ژنو”
ModelTri-Compax“مدل Tri-Compax”
Caliber281“کالیبر 281”
Case MaterialSteel“بدنه فولادی”
ComplicationsChronograph, full calendar, moonphase“کرنوگراف، تقویم کامل، فاز ماه”
DialPanda“صفحه «پاندا»”
StrapBlack alligator leather“بند چرمی تمساح مشکی”
Production Year1967“سال معرفی: ۱۹۶۷”

Visible details

  • Black external tachymeter bezel surrounding the dial
  • Three black sub-dials and one moonphase aperture with calendar sub-dial
  • Manual-wind caliber 281 movement
  • Stainless steel case with pump pushers and signed crown

Research qualifications

  • The association with Eric Clapton is noted by the source as a model moniker rather than confirmed individual provenance
  • The exact operational status of the calendar and chronograph mechanisms is not explicitly detailed beyond general description

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Universal Genève Tri-Compax 'Eric Clapton'

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5f7bb7f1ee

Terms in this record

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