Universal Genève Compax 885103/01 Evil Nina Tropical

This is an extremely rare Universal Genève Compax Evil Nina with a brown Tropical dial, of which less than 10 specimens are known worldwide.

The Panda version of the Universal Genève Compax 885103 chronograph is nicknamed "Nina Rindt" - named after the wife of the famous racing driver Jochen Rindt, who had this model in her possession. On the other hand, the name "Evil Nina" has been established for the Reverse Panda version with black dial and white sub registers.

The watch we have here is over 50 years old and features a stunning tropical dial. Over the past decades, the dial developed an absolutely even brown patina, which can be attributed to a wide variety of environmental influences most importantly, the exposure to sunlight. Today, the dial reflects the personal life story of this chronograph.

Less than 10 Tropical Evil Ninas are known to exist on the world market. The serial number of the present watch matches the serial number range of other known Tropical watches. However, it is not only the rarity, but also the collectible condition that makes this specimen so special. An extremely important feature is the legible numbers on the caseback. These are often no longer visible due to polishing. On this watch, the serial and reference numbers are easily readable.

As if that were not enough, this watch is also accompanied by the original 1969 Gay Frères stainless steel bracelet. Among collectors, these rare bracelets are very popular because they are light and comfortable to wear.

Condition report
Dial: absolutely even dark brown tropical patina - no scratches or the like - original tritium lume in markers and hands - not 100% intact on every marker, but original and not repainted - the red chrono hand is typical for the Tri-Compax model, but was also used for the Compax - signed with "SWISS T 25".

Case: stainless steel case - unpolished or very lightly polished in the past - natural wear marks - visible reference and serial number on the back - original winding crown with the UG logo - original acrylic crystal with the UG logo in its center - very well preserved black Bakelite bezel without scratches.

Movement: manual winding caliber Valjoux 72 - timegrapher: +9s/day, amplitude: 307, beat error: 0.2 - last service in May 2023.

Bracelet: original Gay-Frères stainless steel bracelet - natural wear marks - very slight stretch - date stamp in clasp: 1/69.

Summing-Up
In our opinion, this Tropical UG Compax is way undervalued. If you look at Rolex, for example, prices for vintage watches with a Tropical dial are double to quadruple the prices for the same model with a "normal" dial. In addition, tropical dials are much rarer on Vintage Universal Genève watches than on other brands. This watch here is obviously a rare and special opportunity for any collector of exceptional vintage watches.

Serial number: 2568xxx (1968)

Int.Exe.: 85670