Unpolished 1960s Universal Genève Aero-Compax (Ref. 890101/01)

Universal Geneve 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 LeLocle, 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 Geneve. By 1925, UG had designed their first automatic movement known as the Auto Rem.

Though Universal Geneve 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 timezones. While the model has existed in several different formats since the 1940s, the ref. 890101/01 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 #		UGAC89010101
Brand		Universal Genève
Style		Aero-Compax
Model		890101/01
Serial		258XXXX
Size		Men's
Material		Stainless Steel
Dial		White
Millimeters		41
Bracelet		2pc Handmade Leather Strap

CASE & BRACELET

The exceptional, large, and honest case is believed to remain unpolished with the factory dimensions and broad chamfers in fully present and extremely crisp condition throughout. The original rotating 24-hour bezel has achieved a beautiful "ghost" fade, though the numerals still remain visible and functional. 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. The case back also features a charming engraving that reads "To Dick, From Marge, Christmas 1969". The watch comes supplied on a Phoenix NATO strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The original and high-visibility black and white 24-hour dial is exceptionally well-preserved, exhibiting no notable damage and only subtle marks from age, this is especially impressive given that most of these dials have darkened considerably with age due to the color and texture composition of the dial. The tritium lume plots have taken on a charming creamy eggshell patina and exhibit no degradation under UV light inspection. The original tritium black hands contrast the dial, further accentuating the visibility of the watch at a glance, under UV light inspection the hands display no degradation.