Why This Watch Matters The epitome of Universal Genève's chronograph dominance in the 1950s. The Full Story The Universal Genève Tri-Compax is one of the brand's most well-respected models. It has a beautiful moon-phase window at 12 o'clock with a red calendar hand for the 31-day indication around the register. Bookending this sub-dial are the day aperture to the left and month aperture to the right. The Tri-Compax model traces back to 1944, when it was shown at Baselworld to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. Considered tool watches in their day, these models gave the wearer calendar functions along with a chronograph to time anything up to 12 hours long. The movement inside is Universal Genève's column-wheel caliber 287. For ease of setting the calendar, the three corrector buttons are placed on the band of the case. The reference 22539 example we have here is an earlier example of the Tri-Compax, a model that Universal kept in the catalog in some form through the 1960s. Condition is normally overall pretty rough for these earlier Tri-Compaxes. Without a water-resistant case and the utilitarian nature of the design, this was, after all, a sports watch in its day, many examples of this watch are quite scruffy. This one is not. With an attractive patina to the dial and an extremely crisp case, this watch presents extremely well for its age – it is one we are extremely proud to offer. We paired this UG with our smooth taupe calfskin watch strap, a classic HODINKEE strap, and color for a classic HODINKEE vintage watch. The Fine Print Maker: Universal GenèveModel: Tri-CompaxReference: 22539Year: 1940sCase No: 1034259Movement No: 218464Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 36.5mm diameter; 13.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: NoCaliber: Universal Genève, manually-wound, caliber 287Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Smooth Taupe Calfskin Watch StrapLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Excellent and honest overall condition- Non-lume dial with attractive patina- Tear-drop hour markers and leaf hands - Well sized 36.5mm case Things To Know: - Scratches on case- Light even patina on dial This UG Tri-Compax is in great overall vintage condition. The case has some scratches but has remained strong. The facets on the lugs are clearly visible. The case and reference numbers on the back of the case are crisp. The caseback and bezel have some signs of opening which is not uncommon. The corrector buttons on the side of the case at nine o'clock are operational, in good condition, and have a few scratches. 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 a light but fairly even patina on the surface. The edge of the dial shows some wear and patina. The hour markers have developed light patina. The moon-phase disk has faded to an attractive mustard color. The day and month calendar disks have aged evenly and are consistent with the rest of the dial. The leaf hands have developed patina. The subsidiary dial hands have developed patina but remain generally vibrant. The small register hands have developed patina and the center, hours hand appears to have a repair to the center. The bottom pusher has some dark wear on the front. The dial, case, and movement are all signed by Universal Genève. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9 inch wrist.
