Universal Geneve Uni-Compax Compur Chronograph in 18 Kt Gold – Cal. 285

This elegant vintage chronograph is a Universal Genève Uni-Compax Compur in 18 Kt yellow gold.

• Case: In 18 kt yellow gold with rectangular chronograph pushers and a silvered dial with tachymeter scale.
• Case diameter: 35 mm
• Details: It features two subsidiary counters on the dial and applied Arabic numerals.
• Calibre: The celebrated Universal Genève manufacture movement 285, as clearly indicated by the “285” engraving on the left bridge.
• Crown: Generic
• Strap: Generic crocodile
• Architecture: A prestigious chronograph mechanism with functions controlled by a column wheel (visible at the bottom centre), a refined technical solution typical of vintage haute horlogerie.
• Finishing: The bridges and mainplate feature a classic period gilt finish, with polished steel components for the chronograph mechanism.
• Year of manufacture: Serial number 616397 places the manufacture of the watch precisely between 1936 and 1938. It is therefore a first-generation Uni-Compax (or “Compur” as shown on the period dial), making it even rarer and more historically significant than the initial 1950s estimate.
• Reference number: Number 5287 identifies the specific case design of the watch (lug shape, thickness and finish) combined with this particular dial and movement configuration.
• Swiss marks: The small punch mark in the shape of a woman’s head (Helvetia) below the gold indication is the official Swiss state control mark for precious metals. The number 166 enclosed in the handleless hammer symbol below identifies the specific Swiss company that produced the gold case on commission for Universal Genève.
• Interior finishing: The splendid concentric-circle perlage finish serves both as haute-horlogerie decoration and as a barrier against imperfections in the metal.