Universal Geneve was famed for making elegant and complicated wristwatches back in their heyday- becoming known as a more accessible alternative to Patek Philippe. It’s not hard to see why, with famed models such as the Tri-Compax and their Compax line in general.
This example is one of their most popular, the Uni-Compax. The term Compax was Universal’s way of denoting the complications of the watch. With this example, as there is only one complication, the chronograph, it is called the ‘Uni’ Compax.
The Ref. 124104 Uni Compax is perhaps one of the more popular models they made back then. It is certainly not the rarest, with examples available for sale frequently. That being said, as the vintage collector knows, rarity comprises of two things- production numbers and condition. The latter is what this Uni-Compax has going for it. It is in LNOS (Like New Old Stock) condition and as a result, it is remarkably preserved. The pink gold pushers even retains its original chamfers and the finishes on the lugs and caseback are untouched with deep serial numbers and gold hallmarks. It is always nice to have a watch in this unused condition as you get to see how they really came out of the factory.
Cased in an 18k gold pink case, it is a classic dress vintage chronograph with two subdials and square pushers. Another thing that this Uni Compax has for it is its huge size. At 37mm, this was considered oversized in the 50’s and as a result, it is still very wearable by today’s contemporary standards.
If you want a vintage watch with a new feel, this is certainly the watch for you. This has to be one of the best examples of a Uni-Compax out there.
