Why This Watch Matters This Dato-Compax has character from a life well used but, relative to other examples of this rare reference, the 18k yellow gold case is strong and has an outstanding overall look. The Full Story The Compax series of chronographs are some of the most iconic and well-known models from Universal Genève's rich history. The model line hit the market in 1936 and would come to include a number of different "Compax" variations, such as the Aero-Compax, Uni-Compax, Tri-Compax, and Dato-Compax. Universal Genève offered these chronographs in a variety of configurations and case metals. Stainless steel cases with luminous dials and hands were meant to be "tool watches" of the era, where gold cases with non-luminous dials and hands were more formal and dressy. The Compax line was sold at retailers like Henri Stern in New York and proved to be a great success at its lower price point compared to other chronographs it shared a showroom with. The ref. 12495 was produced throughout the 1940s and, in decoding the reference number, we know that all examples should be 18k gold cased (first digit of 1), chronographs (second digit of 2), and powered by caliber 285 movements (third digit of 4). The final two or three numbers of UG's numbering system were used to describe visual aspects of the watch and are not yet fully decoded. A Henri Stern advertisement for Universal Genève in this period described the brand as "The World's Largest Maker of Chronograph and Calendar Watches" – the Dato-Compax sits at a nice intersection of the two. Also in the ad is the full range of UG offerings in the area of specialty from a "calendar watch without moonphase" retailing for a crisp $85 to a "Tri-Compax, 12-hour register, calendar and moon phase" for $155. The "Dato-Compax, 12-hour register, calendar" slotted in near the top of the lineup at $125. The stated prices were for stainless steel with a note that 14k and 18k yellow gold options are available for "a few models." It's always interesting to go back to these primary source materials with watches. Seeing where the Dato-Compax, especially in 18k yellow gold, would have fit into the UG catalog gives a bit of insight into who the original owner could have been and what he (or she) valued in a timepiece. This Dato-Compax reference 12495 is not one we come across too often. The model, in general, is thought to have been one of the least produced of all UGs from this era. Looking at the advertisement and prices, collectors believe that a customer after a calendar enabled chronograph would have most often made the jump to the Tri-Compax for a few dozen more dollars in steel. While understanding what makes this Dato-Compax special is certainly important, wearing vintage watches is the main source of enjoyment. In person and on the wrist, this watch is stunning. With beautifully warm patina 18k yellow gold case, applied gold tone hour markers, dark red "dato" sub-register hand to the blued steel chronograph hands, and gorgeously patinated creamy dial surface, this Universal Genève well represents the brand in this era. The dial on this example is quite special, having aged to a unique patina with the sub-dials a bit darker around the edges giving it a striking look overall. It's nice to see a watch wear its age well and proudly with dial patina such as this. We paired this Dato-Compax with our McBride Strap in Tan. The light texture and contrast stitching really fit the watch well and create a classically elegant look. The Fine Print Maker: Universal GenèveModel: Dato-CompaxReference: 12495Year: Circa late 1940sCase No: 1333477Material: 18k yellow goldDimensions: 34.5mm diameter; 12mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: NoCaliber: Universal Genève, manually-wound, caliber 285Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The McBride Watch Strap In TanLug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What We Love and What You Should Know Things We Love:- Honest overall condition- Strong 18k yellow gold case- Four sub-dial layout Things To Know:- Overall patina on dial- Marks on dial near 4 - Crown has wear This Tri-Compax is in overall good, honest vintage condition. The case has some scratches throughout but has remained strong and has developed a warm overall patina. The case has probably been lightly polished. The edges of the lugs have remained sharp. The hallmark on the side of the case at nine o'clock is clearly visible. The caseback has some light scratches, but the numbers and hallmarks remain remarkably crisp. The corrector button on the side of the case at ten o'clock is still operational and in good condition. Oftentimes, the corrector buttons show heavier wear due to them being pushed in repeatedly or by usage of a metal correcting pin when adjusting the calendar. The dial has developed an even patina and presents an almost champagne-colored hue throughout. The dial also has a few spots of minor bubbling throughout. This is common for UG dials inside of non-waterproof cases from the 1940s. There is some noticeable wear/patina at 4:30. The edge of the case shows some wear. The blued steel hands still retain a nice bright color that contrasts against the dial well. The gold tone hour markers have developed a light patina, as have the matching hour and minute hands. The subsidiary dial hands have developed patina, and the red one at 12 o'clock has faded over the years and remains a dark red color. The subsidiary dials have all developed patina and some wear. The crown shows some wear and is slightly uneven, but it winds and sets correctly. The case, dial, and movement are signed. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9 inch wrist.
