Why This Watch Matters This Compax comes from the heyday of Universal Geneve, the 1940s. It is an ode to what makes an awesome chronograph, with both functionality and legibility. The Full Story This watch is a great example of UG's mastery of chronographs, with a red mileage scale that loops all three of the registers without destroying the balance of the dial. It comes in a stainless-steel case and features the historical caliber 285 chronograph movement, introduced in 1942 from a Martel ebauches. Looking at this movement tells you another thing aside from mechanical insights: this Compax was originally meant for the U.S. market, as indicated by the UOW markings on the bridge. And don’t worry about the 35 mm case diameter – the thin bezel and silvered dial make this watch look bigger on the wrist. The Fine Print Maker: Universal GeneveModel: CompaxReference: 22405 Year: Circa 1945Case No: 1174XXXMaterial: Stainless SteelDimensions: 35 mm diameter; 11 mm thicknessSapphire Crystal: NoLume: Yes, radiumCaliber: Manual wound chronograph movement, the caliber 285 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Beige Suede Strap Lug Width: 18 mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know The condition of this watch definitely matches its age, with signs of overall wear and light scratches and scuffs throughout the case. The dial appears to have aged but has no major flaws, just overall discoloration and wear to the radium lume on the Arabic numbers. However, the mileage scale and the two registers are still crisp and clear. The hands are also not perfect with uneven color of the lume, but again, this is a 70-year-old watch. Most notably, there are some visible scratches to the case band and case back where the watch was once opened poorly.
