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- 1942 Universal Genève Oversized 38mm Uni-Compax 'Spillman' case - Ref. 22409
1942 Universal Genève Oversized 38mm Uni-Compax 'Spillman' case - Ref. 22409
The most desirable and impressive military Uni-Compax
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The Uni-Compax is a quintessential chronograph from Universal Genève; with its balanced dial and well-proportioned case, this watch has maintained its timelessness flawlessly.
This particulary rare waterproof example manufactured in 1942/43 boasts an impressive oversized 38mm 'Spillman' unrepolished waterproof case and a flawless original black dial. Universal Genève chronographs were usually much smaller at the time and with flat pushers. Around 1941, the Universal Genève Uni-Compax range of chronographs replaced the Compur.
A similar example of the Uni-Compax ref. 22409 model is prominently illustrated and described in the famous book 'Universal Watch Genève' by Pietro Giuliano Sala, page 197.
References: The same 22409 ref. (but in less good condition; common pushers, overpolished case and inside caseback resatinated ) was sold by Antiquorum for 22.000 € on july 17, 2018 (Link here).
THE STORY
Universal Genève has been on the up and up over the past few years and it's easy to see why. The Compur was lauched in 1937 and quickly became a hit. The Swiss manufacture consistently produced beautiful tool watches such as this Uni-Compax with two subsidiary dials and big numerals. This example feature a perfect balance of elegance and sporty look.
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
Since its inception, Universal Genève has produced watches with unusually high quality for their price point. Universal Genève was among the first brands to introduce a chronograph wristwatch. From 1935 onwards the Compax was the ultimate three-register chronograph from Universal Genève. The immaculate black glossy dial is one of the main highlights of this watch, as it neatly matches the tone of the 18k solid gold case. Additionally, the 38mm size, combined with its thinness, makes for a very modern and comfortable watch.
Today, the firm's vintage models are highly sought-after and desired for their elegant case and dial designs.
THE DATA
- Maker: Universal Genève
- Model: Uni-Compax 'Spillman'
- Reference: 22409
- Case N°: 1009xxx
- Year: 1942
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 38x45x13mm
- Caliber: In House UG 285
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather
- Lug width: 19mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in incredible overall good condition for its age. The unrepolished case with its preserved sharp angles and mint original black dial with lume still present, makes it truly a collectors chronograph. Oversized cases are very rare and this military example with particular round wateproof pushers is very desirable and hard to find. The original and mint black glossy dial, with steel sword hands, looks dashing.
This is a fine and rare collectible vintage chronograph, elegant and sporty, with a nice presence on the wrist, perfect for everyday wear.