MAKE: UNIVERSAL GENEVE
MODEL: 885104/01
YEAR: 1967
BOX/PAPERS: NO/YES
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND
The 1960s and 70s were a golden era for sports chronographs, seeing some of the most iconic models, such as the Rolex Daytona, Omega Speedmaster, and Heuer Carrera. However, arguably the greatest chronograph manufacturer of the time was a brand that had been forgotten for years until recently: Universal Genève. From the 1930s to the 70s, UG produced some of the most beautiful chronographs ever made (Nina Rindt, Eric Clapton, and their ‘evil’ and ‘exotic’ counterparts to name a few). Largely handmade and powered by legendary movements like the Valjoux 72, UG chronographs are finally receiving the recognition they deserve from collectors worldwide.
One could argue that vintage UG chronographs are among the most enjoyable and rewarding chronographs to collect. Unlike Rolex, known for its slow-and-steady design evolution (a 6265 from 1988 and a 6239 from 1963 are largely the same watch), UG took the opposite approach, producing hundreds of chronograph models over the years with numerous design and functionality variations.
The present example, Space Compax 885104/01, is one of UG's most daring designs. It is technically a ‘dive chronograph’ (try finding another one…). The origins of this watch remain somewhat of a mystery—some claim it was UG's attempt to compete with Omega for the NASA contract, while others suggest it was designed for military aviation. Whatever the case might be, we're glad UG created this bizarre and wonderful watch.
It features an asymmetrical case, screw-down crown and pushers, all in fantastic condition. The dial is spotless, with reverse panda colours, a funky 12 o’clock index, vertical 3 and 9 o’clock markers, and red UG logo and Space-Compax text, all working together in harmony. The luminous plots have aged to a beautiful creamy colour. Additionally, the watch includes rubber pushers, supposedly to enhance its water resistance, and a rotating bezel for tracking time underwater.
Despite its undeniable beauty, only a small number of Space Compaxes were produced and sold—perhaps because not many people needed all the functionalities this over-engineered watch had to offer. Adding to its rarity today, fewer examples have survived, as some parts proved not to be the most robust. However, this particular example has stood the test of time. It comes with a very rare original UG Gay Frères bracelet (with negligible stretch). To complete the package, the watch comes with its original guarantee, dated 1971, four years after its production date of 1967.
Recently overhauled and running perfectly at +5 s/d, 285 amps, with a 0.2 ms beat error, this UG is undoubtedly one of the coolest watches we have for sale.