Only Online Auction

Geneva, May 09, 2022

LOT 158

UNIVERSAL TRIP COMPAX, SCHOOL PIECE

CHF 3,000 - 6,000

EUR 3,000 - 6,000 / USD 3,300 - 6,500 / HKD 25,300 - 51,000

Sold: CHF 4,250

Fine, Stainless steel, manual-winding, round-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch, glazed snap-on case-back, lapidated straight “claw” lugs, silver colour dial, silver colour auxiliary dials, subsidiary seconds at 9 and seven horological complications:
  • 1/5 second chronograph (activated by the two rectangular-shaped push-pieces located on the case-band) with tachometric and telemetric scales graduated on the dial for 220 units per hour
  • Half-instantaneous 30-minute counter (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock)
  • 12-hour counter (subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock)
  • Half-instantaneous date of the month (subsidiary dial at 12 o’clock)
  • Day of the week (aperture at 11 o’clock; indications given in French)
  • Month of the year (aperture at 1 o’clock; indications given in French)
  • Phases of the moon (aperture at 12 o’clock)


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-6-8-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

Slightly scratched

HANDS Original

Brand Universal, Switzerland

Model Tri-Compax

Year  circa 1950, upgraded in the 1990’s

Material Stainless steel

Diameter 34 mm.

Caliber 481, 14’’’, lever escapement

Signature dial and movement; movement signed “Nicolas”

Notes

This 1950’s wristwatch was completely redesigned by a young watchmaker during and just after her training at a Swiss watchmaking school in the 1990’s. The calibre has been angled, decorated with “côtes de Genève” and rhodium-plated. The balance and its adjustment were the subject of meticulous work, with the addition of an index-regulator with swan-neck spring and micrometric screw. The case-back has been opened and glazed in order to see the new state of finish of the movement. Under the dial, the calendar plate has also been entirely reworked by the young watchmaker, and the moon disc redone and engraved by hand.