Why This Watch Matters The epitome of Universal Genève's mid-century chronograph dominance. 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 gold plated, reference 42406 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 with an attractive patina, this watch presents extremely well for its age – it is one we are extremely proud to offer. We paired this UG with our aged leather strap in moss green to channel that vintage yellow gold-tone and green look that we are loving so much lately. The Fine Print Maker: Universal GenèveModel: Tri-CompaxReference: 42406Year: 1940sCase No: 1131486Material: Gold plateDimensions: 37mm diameter; 12.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: NoneCaliber: Universal Genève, manually-wound, caliber 287Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Aged Leather Watch Strap In Moss GreenLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: Unpolished case Non-lume dial with attractive patina Well sized 37mm case Things To Know: Scratches and patina on case Even patina on dial This UG Tri-Compax is in excellent overall vintage condition. The case has some scratches but has remained strong. The facets on the lugs are clearly visible with some patina 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 light 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 hands have developed patina. The subsidiary dial hands have developed patina but remain generally vibrant. The dial, case, and movement are all signed by Universal Genève. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9 inch wrist.
