1972 Universal Geneve Compax "Nina Rindt"(Ref. 885105/02) Mk. II Dial W/ Pulsations Bezel

There are many collectible vintage watches, but only a few references have been propelled to pop-culture status, receiving the namesake of a past icon known for wearing the specific timepiece. Paul Newman with the exotic dial Rolex Daytona, Eric Clapton with the Universal Geneve Tri-Compax moon phase, Steve McQueen with the Heuer Monaco, Nina Rindt with the white dial Universal Geneve Compax, and Joe Siffert with the white dial Heuer Autavia, to name a few. These iconic people were looked at as the gold standard of “cool” for their achievements, taste, and style, which transcended to the watch community as collectors began to notice the interesting timepieces they chose to drive daily. 

Nina Rindt was a style icon and a well-known model in Europe. However, her most noticeable appearances were at the Formula One track, where she was often seen timing her late Husband, Jochen Rindt, a famous F1 racer throughout the 60s. Jochen Rindt was also notably known for wearing a Heuer Autavia ref. 2446 and gifted Nina the Universal Geneve Compax ref. 885103/02, which would later become a wristwatch icon.

This particular example is an uncommon variation of the Compax "Nina Rindt", which enlists a specific reference number, 885105/02, that denotes its use of a specialized pulsometer or pulsations bezel instead of the standard production tachymeter bezel. The pulsations bezel was designed with medical professionals in mind to measure the heart rate. When measuring heart rate, the chronograph is designed to start at the first heartbeat and stop at the 30th. The second hand will then indicate the heartbeats per minute. 

While functional, the pulsometer "Nina Rindt" is also incredibly rare, evoking the phenomenon of taking a watch that is already uncommon and highly desirable, then adding a unique detail that elevates the watch's status to hyper collectible.