Offered for sale is this Universal Genève Compax. Reference 222101/1 contains the manual-wind cal 281. I understand that this new model was one of the very last UG chronographs to contain an in-house (via Martel) movement. Zenith bought out Martel entirely in 1959/60 and shortly afterwards UG switched to using Valjoux movements in their Compaxes. One might argue that this watch is historically important, insofar that it marked the end of the UG in-house chronograph golden years, as the company repositioned itself as a time-only microtor specialist under increasing economic pressure. This example dates to around 1961 according to the serial number on the 36mm stainless steel case back. The numbers on this model received a very light engraving at the factory and it is not uncommon to see them partially rubbed or polished off. However both reference and serial numbers are clearly legible here. The signed crown looks original and I suspect the unsigned plexi is too. The clean silver linen dial is stunning and light plays across it in a way which is hard to capture in photographs. All lume plots are present. There is a small smudge in the rolling seconds register at nine o’clock. Please note that the bottom pusher has a small dent in it. It has never bothered me at all but I wonder if it could be straightened out by a watchmaker if it bothered you? The case has tiny nicks here-and-there typical of a 60-year-old sports watch. This watch received a full service in August 2018 and is ready to wear daily, for the next few years at the very least, without any attention. I am pricing this cherished piece to sell at £4,000 for watch head only. No offers at the moment, thank you. I am begrudgingly selling to help cover the cost of another incoming watch and I already know that I am going to miss it. I am happy to split delivery 50/50 with the buyer. Payment via bank transfer or PayPal for known members. I also use Revolut. This is the second watch I have ever offered on OF so unfortunately I have no seller feedback available (the first one sold on eBay in the end). However, I have bought watches and parts and accessories from a number of forum members here over the past few years and hopefully my buyer’s feedback counts for something. I am especially active on the UG sub-forum and the gang there will hopefully vouch for me. I took some photographs in a quiet park nearby where we live and all reflections are trees and clouds, honestly. Thanks for reading all the way down to here.
This piece is now sold. Congratulations to the new owner; this watch is going to a great new home. Thank you to the moderators and OF for the free space and this terrific platform.