Triple Quantième
1981 Omega Equinoxe aka 'Reverso' - FULL SET - Ref. 186.0013
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An unusual and rare Omega with its original papers and box.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
There’s so much to say about this watch, so why not start by saying this: this particular model, the ‘Equinoxe’, was the world first watch to feature two watches on the same watch case. Yes, even before JLC did it, Omega produced this masterpiece only in 1981. This watch is as rare as it gets.
Analog and classic on one side, and digital and revolutionary on the other, this watch has it all.
Stylistically the watch owes quite a bit to the Jaeger-Lecoultre Reverso, but the bracelet is also reminiscent of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The bracelet is long and will fit most wrist, and has the correct clasp that still has the steel logo insert.
In the early 1980’s Omega were experimenting with making high end quartz watches like this. Ultimately it was not the right strategy, as they had to allow swatch to buy them to save them shortly afterwards. When new, this watch retailed for 1,500CHF (about £346), when you could buy a Automatic Seamaster with day and date, on a bracelet, for £120. This really was a premium watch. This scarce timepiece comes as a 'Full Set' (Original guarantee & box), which is extremely rare and collectible !
THE STORY
The Olympic Games – where millions of fans are eager for the thrills and spills of competition sport. Here the supreme arbiter is timekeeping and It must not fail, falter or fumble. Things have truly changed since 1932 when, for the first time, Omega timed the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
In 1952, responding inventively to the demands of constantly improving sports performance, Omega pioneered the development of electronically assisted sports timekeeping.
Behind the scenes at the Olympic games, a squad of electronics engineers supervised the complex and extremely refined timekeeping equipment. Tailored to individual Olympic disciplines, the equipment was designed to display both the intermediate and final times directly to television screens across across the world to 1/100th of a second; the degree of precision prescribed by the organizing committee for the Games. Omega technicians themselves are monitored performances to 1/1000th of a second!
Everyone appreciated the spectacular mastery of quartz electronic precision during the Olympic games. It stands to reason that a similar commitment to this sophisticated technology came about in the form of a personal, wrist-worn, quartz-piloted instrument: the Omega digital watch.
Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed it's name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph to be chosen by the NASA in 1965, the first watch worn on the moon.
THE DATA
- Maker: Omega
- Model: Equinoxe (Aka 'Reverso')
- Reference: 186.0013
- Year: 1981
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 27x38x9mm
- Caliber: In House Omega 1655
- Bracelet/Strap: Original Omega stainless steel (Up to a 20cm wrist)
- Lug width: N/A
- Box/Papers: Original Omega box
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in top condition. The unpolished case is extremely well preserved, the stainless steel strap is very long and not stretched at all (Up to a 20cm wrist). All parts are original and every function works properly.
This is a very unusual and collectible Omega, manufactured only for 1 year it will draw the attention of watch enhousiasts for sure. This scarce chronograph comes with its original box and guarantee !
It has a presence on the wrist with its integrated steel bracelet, perfect for everyday wear.
1943 Universal Geneve Tri-Compax Fat Lugs 'Cornes Or' - Ref. 22261
An extremely rare and spectacular early Tri-Compax.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The Universal Genève Tri-Compax is one of the most desirable and most collectible watch on the vintage market.
This version, from 1943 is not only exceptionnal by the fact that it was manufactured in the first months of the Tri-Compax production, but especially because of it's striking rare case combining solid 18k red gold lugs (Cornes Or) and stainless steel case.
A representation of this 'Cornes Or' particular model is represented in the Universal Genève archives, reproduced page 361 in the famous Pietro Sala's book ' Universal Watch Genève'.
THE STORY
The Universal Genève Tri-Compax is a reference in design and elegance since the early 1940', the perfectly balanced dial has been an example since then. The Tri-Compax was officially lauched in Basel in 1944 and there are dozens of versions of it. They have become more and more avidly sought by collectors over the past few years and it's easy to see why. This example offers all the features a collector would dream of; An extremely rare version made out of solid red gold and steel with long correctors pushers, the original and very particular 'drop indexes' dial and an overall great condition for a 75 years old timepiece.
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: Tri-Compax Fat Lugs 'Cornes Or'
- Reference: 22261
- Case N°: 947xxx
- Year: 1943
- Material: Solid 18k Red Gold & Stainless Steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 34,5x44,5x11,5mm
- Caliber: In House UG 481
- Bracelet/Strap: Black aligatorleather
- Lug width: 17mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in extremely good condition for its age. The 18k solid gold & steel case is well preserved, and the even silver/white original dial is stunning. This is a rare vintage triple-quantième chronograph, elegant and and highly collectible. A nice presence on the wrist due to the large lugs and the protruding pushers, perfect for every situation.
1945 Universal Geneve Calendar - Ref. 11305
An incredibly well preserved triple quantieme.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The Calendar is a quintessential complicated watch from Universal Genève; with its balanced dial and very curved spider handles, this watch has maintained its timelessness flawlessly. This particular model boasts a striking 35mm case with it's original dial, the exactly same combination as in the Universal Genève archives.
THE STORY
Universal Genève has been on the up and up over the past few years and it's easy to see why. The Calendar range of complicated watches was presented for the first time on the 21 augustus 1943 in Geneva and quickly became a hit. The Swiss manufacture consistently produced beautiful complicated watches such as this Calendar with three subsidiary dials, moonphase and gold hands. This example feature a perfect balance of elegance and refinement.
THE DATA
- Maker: Universal Genève
- Model: Calendar Moonphase 18k Yellow Gold
- Reference: 11305
- Case N°: 1186xxx
- Year: 1945
- Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 35x43x10mm
- Caliber: In House UG 291
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather
- Lug width: 17mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in incredibely good condition for its age. The 18k solid gold case is extremely well preserved and has never been repolished. The champagne unrefinished dial is stunning. This is a great vintage , elegant and rare. Witness of an era with it's curved spider lugs, it has a nice presence on the wrist an can be worn daily andfor all occasions.
1977 Omega Speedmaster Professional Quartz - FULL SET - Ref. 186.0004
A fine and rare Omega Speedmaster Professional with its original box & papers.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
This is the only Speedmaster to be produced with a quartz movement in a Moonwatch Professional case. This was model ST 186.0004 nicknamed LCD Moonwatch by the community. Unnumbered, the production ran only over a year and a half period, in the late seventies, from 1977 to 1979.
The cal. 1620, developed by Omega and SSIH (later to become SMH). Although it has only basic functions by today’s standards, it is neverthless still a very accurate watch, capable of 0.15 seconds per day, or 5 seconds per month.
This is better than a lot of quartz watches available even now. The very good accuracy is due to the high quality quartz resonator used, manufactured in-house by SSIH. You can find more information on this rare chronograph here: https://www.omegalcdspeedmaster.com/
This particular LCD Moonwatch is extremely well preserved, never polished and without noticeable scratches furthermore it comes as a 'Full Set' with its original box & guarantee, a collectors must have !
THE STORY
The Olympic Games – where millions of fans are eager for the thrills and spills of competition sport. Here the supreme arbiter is timekeeping and It must not fail, falter or fumble. Things have truly changed since 1932 when, for the first time, Omega timed the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
In 1952, responding inventively to the demands of constantly improving sports performance, Omega pioneered the development of electronically assisted sports timekeeping.
Behind the scenes at the Olympic games, a squad of electronics engineers supervised the complex and extremely refined timekeeping equipment. Tailored to individual Olympic disciplines, the equipment was designed to display both the intermediate and final times directly to television screens across across the world to 1/100th of a second; the degree of precision prescribed by the organizing committee for the Games. Omega technicians themselves are monitored performances to 1/1000th of a second!
Everyone appreciated the spectacular mastery of quartz electronic precision during the Olympic games. It stands to reason that a similar commitment to this sophisticated technology came about in the form of a personal, wrist-worn, quartz-piloted instrument: the Omega digital watch.
In 1974, Omega released a series of Speedmasters signed ‘Speedsonic’ (not Speedmaster) and being significantly water resistant they came with Seamaster-signed case backs. The came with the calibre 1255, essentially the ESA 9162/9164 with a chronograph module added, and were designed by Max Hetzel who had previously worked for Bulova.
The Speedsonic is one of the few watches in the Speedmaster family to be certified as a Chronometer. The quartz models, released a few years after the introduction of the Speedsonic, certainly could have qualified but were never submitted for testing.In 1977 watches with the 1620 quartz calibre began to appear with the ref. ST 186.0004. These watches had a digital LCD display and were accurate to 5 seconds per month. They had the typical 1970s quartz digital watch look you’d expect of the period. Some versions were signed Speedmaster Professional Quartz (nicknamed the Pro Quartz), others simply Speedmaster Quartz. Omega produced eight variations of these watches in total, with differences in the shape of the case, gold plating and bracelet vs. strap.
Interestingly, Omega stopped producing the Speedmaster Quartz watches after only about 18 months.
THE DATA
- Maker: Omega
- Model: Speedmaster Professional Quartz (Aka 'LCD Moonwatch')
- Reference: 186.0004
- Year: 1977
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 36,5x42,2x9mm
- Caliber: In House Omega 1620
- Bracelet/Strap: Original Omega stainless steel
- Lug width: 18mm
- Box/Papers: Original Omega box & Guarantee
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in near to mint condition. The case is extremely well preserved, the stainless steel strap in very long and not stretched. All parts are original and every function works properly.
This is a very unusual and collectible Omega Speedmaster that will draw the attention of watch enhousiasts for sure. This scarce chronograph comes with its original box and 1977 Omega guarantee.
It has a nice presence on the wrist with its 36,5mm case and steel bracelet, perfect for everyday wear.
1945 Universal Geneve Oversized Tri-Compax - Ref. 12552
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An extremely well preserved and spectacular Tri-Compax.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The Universal Genève Tri-Compax is one of the most desirable and most collectible watch on the vintage market. This version, from 1945 is not exceptionnal by the fact that it was manufactured in the first year of the Tri-Compax production, but especially because of it's striking oversized 37mm untouched gold case.
THE STORY
The Universal Genève Tri-Compax is a reference in design and elegance since the early 1940', the perfectly balanced dial has been an example since then. The Tri-Compax was officially lauched in Basel in 1944 and there are dozens of versions of it. They have become more and more avidly sought by collectors over the past few years and it's easy to see why. This example offers all the features a collector would dream of; A classic and oversized version made out of solid yellow gold, the original 'gold indexes' dial and an overall great condition for a 75 years old timepiece.
THE DATA
- Maker: Universal Genève
- Model: Tri-Compax
- Reference: 12552
- Case N°: 1129xxx
- Year: 1945
- Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 37x44,5x11,5mm
- Caliber: In House UG 287
- Bracelet/Strap: Black aligator leather
- Lug width: 17mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in extremely good condition for its age. The 18k solid yellow gold is extremely well preserved, and the even silver/white original dial is stunning. This is a great vintage triple-quantième chronograph, elegant and and highly collectible. A nice presence on the wrist, perfect for every day wear.
1943 Universal Geneve Tri-Compax 'Harry Truman' - Ref. 12551
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A rare and fine Triple-Quantième iconic watch.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The Universal Genève Tri-Compax is one of the most desirable and most collectible watch on the vintage market. This version, from 1943 is not exceptionnal by the fact that it was manufactured in the first months of the Tri-Compax production, but also because it is the same model that was worn by the American president Harry Truman.
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: Tri-Compax (Aka 'Harry Truman')
- Reference: 12551
- Case N°: 1129XXX
- Year: 1943
- Material: Solid 18K Yellow Gold
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 36x45x12,5mm
- Caliber: In House UG 267
- Bracelet/Strap: Brown leather
- Lug width: 20mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in great condition with a very well preserved original dial, unscratched crystal, the gold hands and unrepolished case are also in great condition, all angles are very sharp. There is absolutely no sign of corrosion on the movement.
This is a great and rare timepiece, elegant and and highly collectible.
A nice presence on the wrist with its 36mm case, perfect for casual or formal wear.
1943 Universal Geneve Tri-Compax 'Fat Lugs' - Ref. 22259
Sold out
A rare and fine Triple-Quantième iconic watch.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The Universal Genève Tri-Compax is one of the most desirable and most collectible watch on the vintage market. This version, from 1943 is not exceptionnal by the fact that it was manufactured in the first months of the Tri-Compax production, but also because it is in a very good condition with a perfect original dial.
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: Tri-Compax (Aka 'Fat Lugs')
- Reference: 22259
- Case N°: 10668XX
- Year: 1943
- Material: Stainless Steel 'Enversteel'
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 35x42x12mm
- Caliber: In House UG 481
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather
- Lug width: 18mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in great condition with a 'Like new' preserved original dial, unscratched crystal, the 'Sword' hands and case are also in great condition, all angles are very sharp.
This is a great and rare timepiece, elegant and and highly collectible.
A nice presence on the wrist with its 35mm case and 'Fat Lugs', perfect for casual or formal wear.
1955 Universal Geneve Tri-Compax 'Panda Dial' Full Set - Ref. 22297 3
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WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The Universal Genève Tri-Compax is one of the most desirable and most collectible watch on the vintage market. This version, from 1955 is exceptionnal not only by the fact that it has the most desirable 'Panda' pristine original dial, but especially because it features the extremely rare small round push-buttons, as stated by the famous expert Oswaldo Patrizzi in the Antiquorum catalogue. Another scarce characteristic: This chronograph comes with it's original papers and box, a collectors dream !
THE STORY
The Universal Genève Tri-Compax is a reference in design and elegance since the early 1940', the perfectly balanced dial has been an example since then. The Tri-Compax was officially lauched in Basel in 1944 and there are dozens of versions of it. They have become more and more avidly sought by collectors over the past few years and it's easy to see why. This example shows off all the elements that have made the Tri-Compax a modern classic, including the beautifully composed dial. The shape of the hands is highly characteristic of Universal Genève, and there’s just enough color in the red tip of the date hand, to give the watch some subtle but unmistakable zip. A great example of a classic complicated watch in very hard-to-find condition, this is not one you want to miss.
THE DATA
- Maker: Universal Genève
- Model: Tri-Compax 'Panda'
- Reference: 22297 3
- Case N°: 1748xxx
- Year: 1955
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 34,5x42x14mm
- Caliber: In House UG 281
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather
- Lug width: 19mm
- Box/Papers: Box & Papers
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in great condition with a pristine original dial and a full set of indexes with complete lume, the hands and unrepolished case are also in great condition. This is a great extremely rare triple-quantième chronograph, elegant, sporty and and highly collectible. A nice presence on the wrist, perfect for every situation.
1957 Universal Geneve Tri-Compax 'Silver Linen' Full Set - Ref. 22297 3
Sold out
An extremely rare and spectacular Tri-Compax.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The Universal Genève Tri-Compax is one of the most desirable and most collectible watch on the vintage market. This version, from 1957 is exceptionnal not only by the fact that it has a beautiful silver 'Linen' pristine original dial, but especially because it features the extremely rare small round push-buttons, as stated by the famous expert Oswaldo Patrizzi in the Antiquorum catalogue. Another scarce characteristic: This chronograph comes with it's original papers and box, a collectors dream !
THE STORY
The Universal Genève Tri-Compax is a reference in design and elegance since the early 1940', the perfectly balanced dial has been an example since then. The Tri-Compax was officially lauched in Basel in 1944 and there are dozens of versions of it. They have become more and more avidly sought by collectors over the past few years and it's easy to see why. This example shows off all the elements that have made the Tri-Compax a modern classic, including the beautifully composed dial. The shape of the hands is highly characteristic of Universal Genève, and there’s just enough color in the red tip of the date hand, to give the watch some subtle but unmistakable zip. A great example of a classic complicated watch in very hard-to-find condition, this is not one you want to miss.
THE DATA
- Maker: Universal Genève
- Model: Tri-Compax 'Silver Linen'
- Reference: 22297 3
- Case N°: 18966xx
- Year: 1957
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 34,5x42x14mm
- Caliber: In House UG 281
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather
- Lug width: 19mm
- Box/Papers: Box & Papers
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This watch is in great condition with a pristine original dial and a full set of indexes with complete lume, the hands and unrepolished case are also in great condition. This is a great extremely rare triple-quantième chronograph, elegant, sporty and and highly collectible. A nice presence on the wrist, perfect for every situation.
