Introduction
Amongst the list of watchmakers who weren’t lucky enough to make it out of the Quartz Crisis lies the name of perhaps one of watchmaking's most important companies, Universal Geneve. Following their demise, Universal Geneve was acquired by a Hong Kong-based watch company named Stelux in 1989 who revived the brand and went on to release vintage-inspired models such as the watch that we have here, the Compax 1950. Inspired by Universal Geneve’s iconic line of mid-century chronographs, the Compax 1950 ref. 184.445 was launched in the early 1990s as a limited edition of 500 pieces in 18kt yellow gold. Boasting a 36mm diameter case with ornate lugs, pump pushers, and an engraved 18kt yellow gold bezel, the Compax 1950 is a thoughtfully designed watch that combines vintage watchmaking with modern horology. Fitted with a bright white dial with a trio of large subdials as powered by its manual-wind cal. UG 84 movement (based on the Lemania cal. 1873), the Compax 1950 represents the very best of neo-vintage Universal Geneve.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch and additional leather strap
Est. value range
$4,000 – $6,000
The Details
Brand
Universal Geneve
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Compax 1950
Movement
Manual-wind cal. UG 84 (Lemania cal. 1873 base)
Reference
184.445
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1990
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch and additional leather strap
Dial Color
W
THE DIAL
Fitted with a bright white dial with large subdials, sharp applied 18kt yellow gold hour markers, and very few distractions, the Compax 1950's display is reminiscent of mid-century UG chronograph models that championed legibility and function.
THE CONSTRUCTION
With a 36mm case made from 18kt yellow gold, the Compax 1950's construction is a luxurious expression of one of vintage Universal Geneve's best-known watches.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
The watch is in overall excellent condition. The yellow gold case shows some scratches and light marks but remains well defined. The case back has light scratches, with engravings and hallmarks still legible. The original U-signed winding crown is present and well defined. The bezel has some scratches and wear to the tachymeter scale, with a couple of more noticeable nicks around the edge. The white dial is excellent, and the yellow gold and blued hands are all very clean. The black chronograph sub dial hands show some light marks. The watch is fitted with a leather strap in excellent condition, complete with a yellow gold U-signed buckle. The original black alligator strap is also present.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
A modernized expression of one of pre-Quartz Crisis Universal Geneve's best-known and most iconic watches, the Compax 1950 champions careful and considered design with a luxurious twist through its use of 18kt yellow gold for its construction.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
