Universal Genève Compax

Universal Genève is a very special brand, and one that most of us here at Analog:Shift and vintage enthusiasts alike feel very strongly about. While probably best known for the Polerouter, the line of chronographs known as the 'Compax' is a close second - and for us, the ranks as one of the most desired models of vintage chronographs, full stop. Ever since its debut in the 1940s, it has seen numerous iterations ranging from more complicated and elegant dress pieces - to proper sporty racing chronographs with a more substantial case. This particular Compax, a 'Compax 1950,' represents the last of the breed. These were produced in the 1990s as a last-attempt to capture the essence of of what UG always excelled at — the chronograph. They were offered in a variety of metals and different dial colors, and all came in with a 36mm twisted-lug case and housed the venerable Lemania 1863 within (essentially the Omega Cal. .861). This particular example, a Reference 884.475, features a lovely sunburst silver 'panda'-esque dial with applied indices and maroon subsidiary registers, a matching 'dauphine' handset, a signed crown, and one of our Analog:Shift vintage-style leather straps with a steel pin buckle. The culmination of design details like the sunburst dial with the applied 'U' logo at 12:00, the gorgeous twisted-lug case, and the elegant dauphine handset, leave us with a truly excellent package that represents phenomenal value next to its predecessors — which are great value when pitted against better know competitors in its day such as the Rolex Daytona and Heuer Carrera.  In the market for a clean and sporty chronograph? Universal Geneve is one of the first brands you should seriously consider. And for under $5k, you really can't beat it.