Universal Genève Aero-Compax 22414 Black Dial

This Universal Genève Aéro-Compax Reference 22414 from the early 1940s is a particularly rare version of one of Universal Genève’s best-known early chronographs. While the Aéro-Compax itself is already relatively difficult to find, examples with an original black dial are considerably rarer than the more commonly seen light-dial versions. It is precisely this combination of a black four-register dial, large stainless-steel case and the characteristic memento sub-dial at 12 o’clock that makes this example particularly interesting.

The Aéro-Compax was introduced in the early 1940s as part of the Compax family and differs from the classic Compax chronographs through its fourth subdial at 12 o’clock. This additional register operates independently of the chronograph and can be adjusted via the second crown at 9 o’clock. Its two hands served as a kind of mechanical reminder, allowing the wearer to record a specific reference, departure or arrival time, for example. This unusual function was developed particularly with the needs of aviation in mind and gave the Aéro-Compax its name.

The original black dial is the defining feature of this example. Despite its four subdials and various scales, the overall layout remains remarkably well balanced. The chronograph’s 30-minute counter is positioned at 3 o’clock, the 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock and the running seconds at 9 o’clock.

After more than 80 years, the dial shows authentic aging. The black surface displays fine age-related traces and changes, while the inscriptions, scales and subdials remain well preserved and clearly legible. The hands and hour markers have also developed an aging consistent with the overall condition of the watch. Particularly with these rare black dials, an authentically preserved appearance is today an important aspect of their appeal to collectors.

At approximately 37 mm in diameter, the stainless-steel case offers unusually generous proportions for a chronograph from the early 1940s. Its long lugs, narrow bezel and rectangular chronograph pushers define the functional design. Another characteristic feature of the Aéro-Compax is the additional crown at 9 o’clock used to adjust the upper register.

Inside is a historic Universal Genève manually wound movement combining the chronograph mechanism with the additional Aéro-Compax display. Its elaborate construction is representative of the technically sophisticated chronographs with which Universal Genève established an excellent reputation, particularly during the 1930s and 1940s.

The watch is fitted with a black leather strap. In addition, an original Universal Genève buckle is included, appropriately completing the watch.

With its rare original black dial, 37 mm stainless-steel case and characteristic four-register layout, this early Aéro-Compax is a particularly interesting version of Reference 22414. Its authentically aged condition and original Universal Genève buckle complete a collector’s watch that appears extremely rarely on the market.

Condition Description
Dial: ultra-rare original black four-register dial – authentic, even patina – original luminous material – signed “Universal Genève Aero-Compax”.

Case: 37 mm stainless-steel case – light signs of wear – intact numbers on the caseback – original unsigned crown – rectangular chronograph pushers – width between the lugs: 19 mm.

Movement: manually wound Universal Genève caliber 287 – freshly serviced in 2026 – timegrapher values: rate: −5 s/day, amplitude: 305°, beat error: 0.1 ms.

Serial number: 826xxx

Int.Exe.: 1236077