185 Universal Attractive and Over Size, Compax, Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel, With Arabic and Tritium Indexes, Reference 22430
Estimate: €15,000 – 30,000
Sold (Premium)€23,400
Model: Compax
Reference: 22430
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1945
Movement: Manual
Caliber: UG 292
Case N°: 1 183 704
Movement N°: 260367
Dimensions: 46 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case
Universal produced many chronograph models for specific applications one of the most intriguing for its very generous dimensions is definitely the Compax. This specific model was the first three-register chronograph ever released at the 1937 Basel Show, once again cementing the pioneering nature of the brand in the field of chronographs. The Compax featured a 3-subsidiary dial configuration: the left register for continuous seconds, the right counter for 30 (such as the present lot) or 45 minutes recording and the bottom register for 12-hour registration. The reference 22430 here offered has a well-proportioned case in stainless steel with square pushers and massive lugs. The silvered dial with the over-mentioned counter presents black painted Arabic numbers, outer tachometer scale and, moreover, inner tritium dots that recalls that in the hands, that allows the owner o read the time even in the dark, an extremely rare dial configuration that aficionados of vintage chronographs will forsake appreciate.