Universal Genève Tri-Compax 881101/02 Evil Clapton - GF Bracelet

From the first sight of this vintage wristwatch you will understand why the Universal Genève Tri-Compax from the 1960s is often referred to as work of watchmaking art. It is intricate and features a truly outstanding reverse panda style dial. The "Evil Clapton" offered here is the counterpart of the "Eric Clapton" with the panda dial, named after the famous musician who owned an example of this watch.

The model name Tri-Compax refers to the three major complications: calendar, moon phase, chronograph. In the two small apertures, the day of the week and the month are displayed in English. The date and moon phase are united in the sub-dial at 12 o'clock. The 30-minute counter, 12-hour totalizer and the running seconds are at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, respectively. Despite the abundance of information shown, the dial remains clear and easy to read thanks to its perfectly balanced layout and sharp contrast.

The 36mm stainless steel case, with its 12mm height, has perfect proportions for a normal wrist and does not look too small, but very prominent. This is also ensured by the relatively thin black bezel and the acrylic crystal, which, by the way, still bears the UG logo in its center.

Last but not least, this Tri-Compax is accompanied by the original and super-rare Gay-Frères bracelet from 1966. These lightweight steel bracelets not only look beautiful, but are also very comfortable on the wrist.

Condition report
Dial: excellently preserved dial - clean white subdials with authentic patina without significant stains or spots - original tritium lume in hands and hour markers.

Case: worn - natural wear - intact lines of the lugs - visible reference and serial number on the back - original acrylic crystal with the UG logo in its center - original black tachymeter bezel with natural wear marks (makes for an honest and pure vintage look) - original signed UG crown.

Movement: manual-wound Universal Genève caliber 281 - timegrapher: rate: +6s/day, amplitude: 356, beat error: 0.4 - movement overhauled in 2022.

Bracelet: original stainless steel bracelet by Gay-Frères - slight stretch - date stamp in the clasp: 3/66.

Summing-Up
This Universal Genève Tri-Compax is a special vintage watch in many ways. It is rare. It looks just wonderful. It has a complicated movement. It operates flawlessly in all its functions. And it is preserved in 100% original, honest condition, so it can go on your wrist right away, without any worries.

Serial number: 2438xxx (ca. 1965)

Int.Exe.: 75475