Universal Genève Compax

Why We Love It Universal Genève has been producing chronographs for decades. In fact, one can almost say that it was the first to produce a wrist-worn chronograph, back in 1917. The company’s chronographs from the 1930s and 1940s, with their clean lines and legible dials, attracted the attention of no less than the Dutch royal family and U.S. President Harry S. Truman.  However, it's Universal Genève’s chronographs from the 1960s that collectors simply go wild for—and one, in particular, that elicits a Pavlovian response from collectors at the mere mention of it.  This example is drool worthy. From the gorgeous triple-register dial layout, barrel pushers, blued steel chronograph hands, and luminous sword hour and minute hands to the lovely patinated dial and 38mm "Jumbo" case, this beauty just can't be missed.  Oh, and did we mention it is powered by the UG Calibre 130, which is in actuality a modified Valjoux 72?  Or that it has a genuine signed crown?   The Story Universal Genève was founded in 1894 by Numa-Emile Descombes and Ulysse George Perret. In the brand's earliest days, it established itself as a manufacturer of in-house movements of exceptional quality. Universal Genève was also among the first watch manufacturers to specialize in wristwatches. In 1897, Louis Eduoard Berthoud--noted designer of complicated watch movements--joined the company. This ensured Universal Genève's supremacy in the development of complicated watches in the 20th Century. It was under Berthoud's leadership that the brand's reputation as a producer of chronographs was solidified. Chronographs, in particular--namely the Compur and the Compax lines--attracted the attention of watch aficionados, aviators, and militaries around the world. Even the Royal Family of the Netherlands issued a royal charter for Universal Genève to outfit the Dutch military with its chronographs.  Universal Genève was once responsible for some of the most beautiful dress watches and chronographs from the mid-20th century. From the purpose-driven to the ornate, UG had a touch all its own and breathed incredible beauty and craftsmanship into every piece they produced.