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- 1940 Universal Geneve Compax 'Flying Saucer' Faceted case - Ref. 12201
1940 Universal Geneve Compax 'Flying Saucer' Faceted case - Ref. 12201
An extremely rare and attractive 18K pink gold chronograph wristwatch .
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The Compax is a quintessential chronograph from Universal Genève; with its balanced dial and well-proportioned case, this watch has maintained its timelessness flawlessly. This solid pink gold Compax illustrates the beauty of Universal Genève’s production in the 1940s with it's original dial and hands matching the applied gold indexes. This particulary elegant example boasts a 'Flying saucer' case without handles and with 24 faceting on shoulder edge.
Launched in around 1935, the Universal Genève Compax range of chronographs featured for the first time in watchmaking history a movement with the second column wheel under the dial. This particular example is a very attractive, wearable and collectible example of Universal's mid-century production.
A similar pink gold example of the "Flying Saucer" Compax ref. 12201 model is prominently illustrated and described in Universal Watch Genève by Pietro Giuliano Sala, p. 246 & 247.
THE STORY
1894 The origins
Talented watch makers Numa Emile Descombes and Ulysse Georges Perret, found a company specializing in making complicated watches. Foreign trade develops rapidly and products are enthusiastically received.
1897 Early successes
Descombes dies and Perret associates with Louis Edouard Berthoud in making complete pocket-watches. In 1898 they present a chronograph with 30-counter, the Universal Watch Extra, and subsequently release their first wristwom chronograph in 1917.
1934 A legend in the making
The company is renamed Universal Watch, relocates to Geneva and enjoys impressive and international growth. A succession of elegant and complicated models — the Compax, Aero-Compax and Tri-Compax (1930-40), Polerouter (1954) and Microtor UG66 (1966) — leave and indelible imprint on their area.
1960’s A brand on the move
In keeping with its taste for innovation, Universal Genève launches the world’s thinnest quartz calibre in 1975. During the 1980s and 90s, the brand enjoys an impressive international reputation and its represented in South-East Asia, the Middle East and Italy.
THE DATA
- Maker: Universal Genève
- Model:' Flying Saucer', Faceted case
- Reference: 12201
- Case N°: 7955xx
- Year: 1940
- Material: Solid 18K Pink Gold
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 34x34x12mm
- Caliber: In House UG 281
- Bracelet/Strap: Black aligator
- Lug width: 18mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in great condition with a well preserved original dial , the pink gold hands and unrepolished case are also in very nice condition. There is no sign of corrosion on the movement.
This is a great and extremely rare chronograph, elegant and and highly collectible.
A nice presence on the wrist and perfect for every situation.