Universal Geneve
1967 Universal Geneve Compax (Ref. 885103/02) Mk. I Dial "Nina Rindt"
Among the vast universe of collectible vintage watches, only a select few transcend horology to achieve true pop-culture icon status. These rare references become inseparable from the individuals who wore them—figures whose taste, achievements, and effortless cool elevated their chosen timepieces into enduring legends. Paul Newman’s exotic-dial Daytona, Eric Clapton’s Universal Genève Tri-Compax, Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco, and Jo Siffert’s Autavia all fall into this rarefied category. Equally revered among them is the white-dial Universal Genève Compax worn by Nina Rindt—a watch that has since taken on her name and legacy.
Nina Rindt was a celebrated European fashion model and style icon of the 1960s, but her most indelible appearances were trackside at Formula One races. There, she was frequently photographed timing her husband, Jochen Rindt, one of the era’s most charismatic and accomplished F1 drivers. Jochen, himself closely associated with the Heuer Autavia ref. 2446, gifted Nina the Universal Genève Compax ref. 885103/02. What began as a functional chronograph worn in the high-octane world of motorsport would go on to become one of the most coveted and recognizable vintage chronographs of all time—the legendary “Nina Rindt” Compax.
SPECS
| Stock # | UGC885103/02NR-2 | |
| Brand | Universal Geneve | |
| Style | Compax | |
| Model | 885103/02 | |
| Serial | 245XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Satin White "Mk. I" W/ Black Sub-Dials | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Bracelet | Universal Geneve "Gay Freres" Bracelet W/ UM End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The handsome twisted-lug case remains exceptionally well preserved, retaining full, symmetrical proportions with only light evidence of a prior polish and almost no wear from use present. The original black “Dot Over 90” tachymeter bezel is in excellent condition, showing only gentle, honest wear consistent with age. The case retains its original pump pushers and the correct Universal Genève–signed crown. The crystal is original to the watch and features the signed Universal Genève logo at its center. The case back is likewise in excellent condition, with the factory reference and serial number engravings remaining crisp, deep, and fully intact. The watch is accompanied by its original Universal Genève–signed Gay Frères bracelet with correct UM end links. The bracelet retains 15 links, exhibits only nominal stretch, and will comfortably fit wrists up to approximately 6.75 inches.
DIAL & HANDS
The original "Mk. I" satin white "panda" dial with black sub-dials, and applied logo is in beautiful, exceptionally well-preserved condition, showing no damage and nominal age. The tritium lume plots remain partially intact throughout, having aged to an attractive beige to dark grey coloration. Under UV inspection, the dial lume exhibits expected degradation consistent with age. The transitional "midsize" sub-dial hands are original to the watch and feature the original pale green tritium lume, which displays no degradation and matches the hands perfectly. The original steel tritium hour and minute hands, along with the correct blued chronograph hand, remain in excellent condition. The hand lume has aged to a soft pale green patina; under UV inspection, the chronograph hand shows minor lume loss yet remains stable, while the hour and minute hands display no degradation.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time, though the service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.