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.