Universal Geneve
*Unpolished* 1960s Universal Genève Aero-Compax (Ref. 890100/01)
Universal Genève has long been "the watch enthusiast's watch" as the brand's cult-like, but steadily growing following has remained out of the scope of the mega-mainstream. The brand isn't without a few icons, however, boasting unmistakable models such as the Gerald Genta-designed Polerouter, the "Nina Rindt" Compax chronographs, and the ultra-complicated Tri-Compax that Eric Clapton made famous for wearing.
Born in 1894 in Le Locle, Switzerland, as Universal Watch, the co-founders Ulysee Perret and Numa Descombes, originally set out as a watch part manufacturer, but as their business grew, so did their offerings. In 1919, they moved their operation to Geneva, officially creating Universal Genève. By 1925, UG had designed its first automatic movement known as the Auto Rem.
Though Universal Genève eventually produced a broad range of watches intended for vastly different applications, each model shared one crucial commonality: elegance.
The Aero-Compax is a utilitarian, purpose-built aviation chronograph with the ability to track two time zones. While the model has existed in several different formats since the 1940s, the ref. 890100/01 reintroduced the model as more of a sports watch with a screw-down case back and a 41mm case size. This version of the Aero-Compax also utilizes a modified Venus Cal. 178 movement that features a 24-hour dial as well as a 15-minute sub-register at the 3 o'clock as a timing scale for the 15-minute pre-take-off airplane check.
SPECS
| Stock # | UGAC89010100 | |
| Brand | Universal Genève | |
| Style | Aero-Compax | |
| Model | 890100/01 | |
| Serial | 236XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | White | |
| Millimeters | 41 | |
| Bracelet | JB Champion Mesh Stainless Steel Bracelet |
CASE & BRACELET
The exceptional, large, and honest case is believed to remain unpolished with the factory dimensions and broad chamfers fully present and in extremely crisp condition throughout. There are light signs of use present throughout the case, as well, though no notable dents or dings are present. The original rotating 24-hour bezel shows no fading and features only gentle signs of use. The case retains its original pump pushers and crown signed with the Universal Geneve Logo. The case back remains equally as crisp as the rest of the case, with all of the factory engravings and markings present in deep and crisp condition, though some wear and tool marks are present. The watch comes supplied on an era-correct JB Champion stainless steel mesh bracelet that shows no stretch, minimal wear, and can accommodate wrist sizes between 6.5 and 8.5 inches.
DIAL & HANDS
The original and high-visibility black and white 24-hour dial is exceptionally well-preserved, exhibiting no notable damage and only spots from age. This is especially impressive given that most of these dials have darkened considerably due to the color and texture composition of the dial. The tritium lume plots have taken on a dark beige and brown patina and display no degradation when inspected under UV light. The original, uniquely shaped hands have aged to a lighter patina than the dial and exhibit no degradation under UV light inspection. The blued rectangular sub-dial hands are also lumed with tritium and have aged to a similar brown patina as the dial, with no degradation present when inspected under UV.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.