Why This Watch Matters Let's get wavy. Wavy lugs that is. 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" in 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. Universal Genève archives and research show that this model came in a multitude of shapes and with a variety of features in just over 185 different Compax references. Throughout the decades, the series went through a design evolution, but it did not lose its main purpose as a reliable tool watch with keeping functionality and legibility in the forefront. This example is housed in a stainless steel case featuring beautiful wave lugs that are extremely of the era in which the watch was produced. The dial has gained a light patina and presents as a nice off-white cream, and the sunken sub-dials with concentric circles give additional depth to the dial. The blue tachymeter scale on the outer track and blued steel handset gives the watch a nice accent as does the caramel lume patina. We paired this UG Compax with out Sedona strap in grey so as to not take any attention away from the excellent patina of the dial and hands as well as those spectacular lugs. The Fine Print Maker: Universal GenèveModel: CompaxReference: 22277Year: 1940sCase No: 977928Movement No: 201063Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 32.5mm diameter; 12mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, radiumCaliber: Universal Genève, manually-wound, caliber 281Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Sedona Watch Strap In Phantom RanchLug Width: 17mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Wavy lug design- Attractive lume patina- Crisp case condition Things To Know: - Light scratches on case- Patina on dial This UG Compax is in great and honest vintage condition. The case is strong with scratches and light nicks. The wave lugs have retained their shape very well. The numbers on the caseback are visible and crisp. The caseback has scratches. The back of the lugs have scratches from strap changing. The dial has developed a light but even patina on the surface. The hour markers have developed an overall patina. The lume plots at the hour markers have developed patina and are aged to a dark color. The lume plots show signs of degradation but do activate when hit with a UV light. The blue steel hands have developed patina but remain vibrant. The lume material on the hands has developed patina that is creamier than that of the dial. The dial, case, and movement are all signed by Universal Genève. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9 inch wrist.
