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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Universal Geneve Uni-Compax 'Big Eye' Ref. 884100/02

Partially verified

This 1960s Universal Geneve Uni-Compax, reference 884100/02, is a manual-wind chronograph wrist watch. Housed in a 36mm stainless steel case, it features the 'Big Eye' dial configuration, characterized by an oversized minute counter at the three o'clock position. The dial displays a satin-finished center contrasting against a concentrically brushed metallic outer tachymeter scale, bisected by a red crosshair. The watch utilizes blued steel hour and minute hands, with rectangular sub-dial hands. The case retains its original pump-style pushers and a crown signed with the Universal Geneve shield. It is secured by a two-piece leather strap. According to the auction description, the case retains its factory serial and reference number engravings on the case back, although these have become faint from wear. The tritium lume on the dial and hands has aged to a dark grey-beige patina.

Frontal view of the Universal Geneve Uni-Compax 'Big Eye' chronograph showing the dial layout and crown
Frontal view of the Universal Geneve Uni-Compax 'Big Eye' chronograph showing the dial layout and crown — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Universal Geneve
Reference
884100/02
Catalogue / lot identifier
UGUC88410002
Source-reported date
1960s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
23XXXXX

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 stainless steel case measuring 36mm in diameter. It is equipped with pump-style pushers and a crown that bears the Universal Geneve shield. The lugs are described as robust and broad, retaining their original form with minimal evidence of polishing, although signs of wear are visible.

The dial, identified as the 'Big Eye' configuration, features a satin-finished central area contrasted by a metallic outer tachymeter scale. A red crosshair runs through the center of the dial and into the sub-dials. The hour and minute hands are blued steel, while the sub-dial hands are rectangular in shape. Tritium luminous material is present on the indices and hands, having developed a dark grey-beige patina over time.

Evidence for this section
  • “The robust, broad lug case retains thick and symmetrical lugs”
  • “The case retains its original pump pushers and crown signed with the Universal Geneve shield”
  • “The satin-finished central dial, accented by the red crosshair, retains excellent brightness and clarity”
  • “All tritium lume plots are fully intact and have aged evenly to a pleasing dark grey–beige patina”

Chronograph Layout

The Uni-Compax is a two-register chronograph. The defining feature of this specific reference is the asymmetrical layout created by an oversized minute counter at the three o'clock position, contrasting with the smaller constant seconds sub-dial at the nine o'clock position.

Both sub-dials are reported to be in clean and well-defined condition. The hand in the nine o'clock sub-dial shows signs of minor, stable degradation, while the hands in the sub-dials are original to the watch. Under ultraviolet inspection, the lume within the hands appears stable and free from degradation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Its defining feature is the dramatically oversized minute counter at three o’clock”
  • “Both sub-dials remain exceptionally clean and sharply defined”
  • “The original rectangular sub-dial hands retain their dark grey tritium lume”

Provenance and Condition

The watch is presented with its original case engravings, which include the factory serial and reference numbers on the case back, though the auction description reports these are faint due to wear. The overall condition of the dial is described as virtually flawless without notable age or damage.

The piece is currently in working order, though the vendor notes that the service history is unknown. It is supplied on a two-piece handmade leather strap. No additional accessories or documentation accompany this watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case back exhibits some minor wear and retains its factory serial and reference number engravings, though faint from wear”
  • “The original “Big Eye” dial is outstanding and remains in virtually flawless vintage condition”
  • “The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber used in this reference?
  • Could the movement service history be verified through records if requested?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Universal Geneve Uni-Compax 'Big Eye' Ref. 884100/02
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerUniversal Geneve“Universal Geneve”
Reference884100/02“Ref. 884100/02”
Serial23XXXXX“23XXXXX”
MaterialStainless Steel“Stainless Steel”
DialSatin Silver 'Big Eye'“Satin Silver "Big Eye”
MovementManual-wind“reliable in-house calibers”
Luminous materialTritium“All tritium lume plots are fully intact”

Visible details

  • Oversized three o'clock sub-dial
  • Blued steel hour and minute hands
  • Universal Geneve shield on the winding crown
  • Red crosshair dial detailing

Research qualifications

  • Service history is unknown
  • Serial and reference numbers on case back are reported as faint from wear

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

Consulted source

ساعت Universal Geneve Uni-Compax مدل Big Eye (Ref. 884100/02) دهه ۱۹۶۰

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record e1625ef1f1

Terms in this record

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

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