Whether from a technical or aesthetic point of view, many collectors agree that the Universal Genève Tri-Compax from the 1960s was ahead of its time. A full calendar moon phase chronograph with its charismatic look never fails to impress and makes the hearts of watch lovers beat faster.
The dial version offered here with a white base color and black sub-dials is nicknamed "Eric Clapton", as it was spotted on the wrist of the legendary musician. The early MK1 version shown here has a blue chronograph second hand and black week and month displays.
A special feature of this watch is its reference number 881101/03. To be precise, the suffix /03 corresponds to the much rarer and more popular exotic dial of the Tri-Compax, while the suffix /01 corresponds to the "Eric Clapton reference". Of course, the case backs of both references are identical in construction. This leaves the future owner of this watch the option of finding an exotic dial, which would make the watch even rarer and more exclusive. The numbers on the back are deep and clearly visible, which speaks for the unpolished condition of the case.
Condition report
Dial: very well preserved panda dial - authentic patina - clean sub-dials - original tritium in hands and markers - matching, evenly aged color of the luminous material - signed "Universal Genève", "Tri-Compax" and "swiss T".
Case: very good condition - slight signs of wear - full profile with intact lines - deep engraving of the reference and serial number on the back - signed UG crown - perfect black tachymeter bezel - original acrylic crystal with UG logo in its center.
Movement: manual-wound Universal Genève caliber 281 - values on the timegrapher: rate -17s/day, beat error: 1.0 ms, amplitude: 268 degrees - chronograph starts, stops and resets perfectly.
Summing-Up
This Universal Genève Tri-Compax is a complicated vintage wristwatch with an irresistible design. The great authentic condition of this specimen will certainly make its future owner proud.
Serial number: 2684xxx
Int.Exe.: 8969686