Universal Genève Space-Compax 885104/02 All Black

The Space-Compax is one of the last truly innovative chronographs made by Universal Genève and was strongly influenced by the "loud" design of the 1970s. The asymmetrical case was intended to increase the water resistance of the watch. Another pretty unique feature are the waterproof rubber pushers. The heart of the watch was the robust caliber UG 85, based on Valjoux 72. The Universal Genève Space Compax was shortlisted alongside the Omega Speedmaster for NASA's space expeditions.

Here you can see the MK2 version with black dial and black subdials. A distinguishing feature of this MK2 dial are the baton tritium indexes, which are enclosed in a white U. In contrast, the first-generation dial has white subdials and simple stick-shaped indexes.

Besides the beautiful design, the condition of this Space Compax is simply remarkable. Perfect dial, unpolished case, original crystal, original crown, and even the vulnerable rubber pushers, which often get hard or are not even present, are completely intact on this watch and function perfectly.

Another highlight is the rare steel bracelet by the Swiss company HC (Henry & Cie, Geneve) from the 1960s. HC was later taken over by NSA (Nivovit SA). The clasp shows the UG logo.

Condition report
Dial: absolutely flawless matte black finish - original, not re-painted tritium luminous material - tritium color matching in hands and markers - signed "SWISS T".

Case: sharp lugs - very light wear marks - clearly legible engravings of the reference and serial numbers on the back - original winding crown with a UG logo - acrylic crystal with the UG logo in its center - original and intact rubber pushers - correct engravings inside the caseback.

Bezel: black bezel in great condition - light scratch between 11 and 12 o'clock (only visible under a loupe) - original lume dot at 60 - rotatable in both directions.

Movement: manual wind caliber Universal Genève 85 (Valjoux 72) - timegrapher: rate: -39s/day, amplitude: 280, beat error: 0.0.

Bracelet: original HC stainless steel bracelet from the 1960s - very light stretch - UG logo on the clasp - engraved inside with "Brevete Marque DEP HC Swiss Made Stainless Steel 0474".

Summing-Up
Due to its design and history, the Universal Genève Space Compax is a very popular vintage collector watch. However, only specimens in very good and original condition are collectible and in demand. The watch offered here meets exactly these criteria and will satisfy any discerning collector.

Serial number: 2510xxx (1966)

Int.Exe.: 65255