Universal Genève Aero-Compax 224114 - 38mm

This Universal Genève Aero-Compax 224114 is a very rare chronograph from 1945 in a 38mm stainless steel case with a screwed back and round chrono pushers.

The features mentioned above may not seem so special to today's watch wearer, but they were in the 1940s. Most chronographs from this period had small cases with a diameter between 33 and 35mm, rectangular pushers and snap-on case backs. The timepiece you see here was one of the first chronographs that, thanks to its innovative design, met the ever-increasing water-resistance requirements set mainly by military organizations. Round chrono pushers were used instead of the rectangular ones. The pressed case back was replaced by a screwed one. The larger diameter served for better readability. All of these innovations can be found in this UG Aero-Compax.

A very interesting feature of this old Aero-Compax reference is the memento dial (or memo dial) at 12 o'clock, which can be operated using the crown at 9 o'clock. At first glance, one might assume that this is a second time zone. In reality, this complication, for which Universal Genève received two patents, works much like a silent alarm. For example, if a pilot was ordered to meet his squadron at 8:00 a.m., he would set the memento dial to that time. Regardless of the main time display, the hands of this sub-dial remained fixed and served as a visual reminder.

What we love about this watch is its stunning vintage appeal, which is due to the silver dial's natural patina. The notable features of this watch also include the diamond-shaped minute and hour hands. The set of hands consists of metallic blue hands, including the small hands in all four sub-registers.

Condition report
Dial: original silver dial with an even patina, which wonderfully reflects the old age of over 75 years - intact tachymeter scale on the edge of the dial with the blue color still visible - signed "SWISS".

Case: very well-preserved case - slight signs of wear - clearly legible engravings of the reference and serial number on the back - two original unsigned winding crowns.

Movement: manual-wound caliber Universal Genève 285 works perfectly - timegrapher: rate: +12s/day, amplitude: 326, beat error: 0.4.

Summing-Up
Finding an old UG Aero-Compax in completely original condition is a really tough task - we know that from our many years of experience. We are all the more pleased to be able to offer you this extraordinary specimen. The vintage charm of this 75 years old vintage chronograph is simply breathtaking.

Movement number: 279702
Case number: 1245396 (1945)

Int.Exe.: 54226