Why This Watch Matters 1940s chronographs with honest yet spectacularly preserved dials are difficult to find; but here we present you with this stunning Universal Genève Compax in stainless steel. The Full Story It’s difficult to deny that early Universal Genève chronographs have some of the most interesting and well-balanced dial layouts. This particular Compax, the reference 22498, epitomizes that harmonious dial layout, with applied gold numerals, golden "feuille" hands, and a blued-steel chronograph hand. The caliber 285, first introduced in 1942, features a Breguet hairspring (wherein the outermost coil is raised and pointed back to a point near the center point of the coil), while later iterations of this movement replaced the Breguet hairspring with a flat hairspring. This timepiece also has a beautiful domed plexiglass that integrates well with the curved, elongated lugs and overall case proportions. The Fine Print Maker: Universal GenèveModel: CompaxReference: 22498Year: 1942-1943Case No: 983230Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 34mm diameter; 13mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: N/ACaliber: Universal Genève manual winding column wheel chronograph caliber 285Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Pale Pink Suede Watch StrapLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: N/A What we Love and What You Should Know This watch has remained in impressive condition, with thick, full lugs and minimal wear to the case. The applied numerals and handset show little sign of oxidation, and the blue base 1000 scale has not faded. There is some very light spotting and aging to the sub-dials, but the spotting is really only visible under a loupe. The start and reset buttons operate smoothly. This is a gorgeous, well-proportioned chronograph in wonderful condition.
