1960’s Universal Geneve Space-Compax 885104 with Spare Original Rubber Pusher Case and Bracelet

The Overview

We have been asked by an American collector to market his Universal Space Compax. Universal were formed in 1894 in Switzerland and opened their first shop in Geneva in 1919. Creating an automatic movement in 1925 and, effectively, created the first reverso years before Jaeger le Coultre (Universal called in a convertible). They launched the World’s first ever 2 pusher chronograph in 1934 and moved their headquarters into a building between Rolex and Patek Philippe…. They briefly held the record for the World’s first automatic and associated themselves with motor racing with a tri-compax – famously worn by Eric Clapton. In summary, Universal are loved by collectors and their unique style is loved by watch wearers around the World.

In the 1960’s the World was obsessed with Space and whilst Omega was chosen by NASSA, Universal created the iconic Space Compax. Whilst they never claimed it was created for NASSA rumour has it they tried their best to have it adopted. The asymmetric case and unique rubber pushers as well as stunning dial design with 60’s style hands creates a stunning look. The rubber pushers were added to create a water tight case but was sadly a disaster. They wore very quickly and water flooded into the watch… Universal changed this to a more traditional metal pushers rumoured to be the same ones used on the Omega Speedmaster. Many owners sent the watch back to Universal so they could change the case to metal pushers. Very rarely we have the original rubber pusher case as well as the metal pushers on the watch itself. Universal used Gay Freres for the bracelet and we have the original one – we are missing the end pieces and we are trying to source them. The watch sits on a standard black calf skin strap. The original Universal signed movement is the Valjoux calibre 72 which was the go to movement for the burgeoning chronometer market.

So, we have the history of one of the World’s most innovative and respected watchmakers and a background on the specifics of the watch. All this is great but to be frank its’ look in enough to want it. The black dial with red and white writing and perfectly balanced sub-dials framed by the aluminium bi-directional bezel sat in the stunning angular case creates a stunning look. This watch was fully refurbished a couple of years ago and has been worn sparingly ever since. There are some minor signs of wear on the case in line with very careful enjoyment. The screw down crown and large chronograph second hand are working perfectly and whilst not waterproof this is a very wearable watch. The original ‘spare’ rubber pusher case and GF bracelet are also wonderful things to have. Our watchmaker has checked the watch movement and it’s keep great time. We give a lifetime guarantee on the provenance and authenticity and a 12 month guarantee on the movement.

 

Read More...

The Case

It was fully refurbished a couple of years ago and has been worn sparingly ever since. There are some minor signs of wear on the case in line with very careful enjoyment. The case measures 40.5mm across, excluding the crown and 48mm long including the lugs. The inside case is signed ‘Brevet 238872’, ‘Acier Inoxyable’ and ‘Universal Geneve Swiss’.

Read More...

The Movement

Our watchmaker has checked the watch movement and it’s keep great time. The movement is signed ‘Universal Swiss Geneve’.

Read More...

The Bracelet

Universal used Gay Freres for the bracelet and we have the original one – we are missing the end pieces and we are trying to source them. The watch sits on a standard black calf skin strap. The bracelet is signed ‘GF’ and has the Universal logo on the deployment clasp. It’s got surface scratches but in overall good condition.

Read More...

The Box, Papers and Sonning Warranty

As with the majority of pre-owned watches that are 10 years or older, this particular watch does not come with its box and paperwork. The watch is 100% genuine and rest assured we provide a lifetime guarantee on the authenticity and provenance of all the watches we sell.

Although there is no original paperwork, we do provide a written invoice and 3 page insurance valuation with the pictures of the watch and all available reference numbers. We also give a 12 month warranty on all our watches.

Read More...

About Sonning Vintage Watches

Sonning Vintage Watches are one of the largest prestige brand vintage watch retailers on the Internet carrying stock of around £750,000; we’ve sold over 3,000 vintage watches across the world since our formation in 2009. We’re based in Berkshire and Nottingham and spend 1- 2 days a week in London. Whilst we’re an Internet business we do ‘show’ 90% of our watches prior to sale and travel across England to meet prospective buyers.

Read More...

Why Purchase a Watch from SVW

We provide a lifetime guarantee on the authenticity and provenance of all our watches and come with a full printed Receipt of Sale and Insurance Valuation. Purchasing from SVW gives you the protection and reassurance of buying from an incorporated company with outstanding customer testimonials.

We provide a high quality box and use the Royal Mail Special Delivery for the UK and DHL for overseas sales. They are insured for the full purchase value.

See what our customers say – 100% positive feedback on all our sales sites and over 40% of our customers buy again or refer us!

Read More...

Couriering and Pre-Delivery Inspection

We use the Royal Mail’s Guaranteed next day service for UK sales and DHL for all overseas shipping. All our watches are fully serviced, but prior to couriering each one will undergo a 3 day pre-delivery check to ensure the watch is in perfect condition.

Read More...

The Conclusion

This is a rare and highly collectable vintage watch from one of horology’s most famous names and will, if history is any judge, provide an excellent financial investment as well as a possession to treasure and enjoy. I will provide an insurance valuation in excess of my asking price. Please appreciate the difficulty of photographing this piece, it looks even better in real life. Subject to your location I’ll happily show the watch.

Enquire Now...

    Your Name *

    Your Email *

    Your Phone Number

    Optional Message

    Check this box to sign up for our email newsletter

    £13,500
    Enquire Now Ref: 11/2567Close Form