Universal Genève Uni-Compax 224’119

Universal Ref. 224’119 A possibly unique stainless steel oversized chronograph wristwatch

Manufacturer : Universal Year : Circa 1950 Reference No : 224’119 Case No : 1’437’768 Model Name : Uni-Compax Material : Stainless steel Calibre : Manual, cal. 285, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap : Nato Clasp/Buckle : Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions : 44.5mm diameter Signed : Case, dial and movement signedThe present example is a possibly unique reference 224’119 in steel, and we believe that it was likely produced as a pair with the previous lot reference 224’118 since the case and dial design carry a great resemblance. Featuring a case size of 44.5mm in diameter during a time when the standard size for men hovered between 31 and 35mm, the size of the present chronograph would be considered outlandish at the time. In virtue of this size, the utilization of this “tool watch” was certainly professional. The case is also equipped with military fixed strap bars, distinctive round pushers instead of the common square pushers, and a screw-down case back instead of the usual snap-on case back, further suggesting the timepiece was likely designed as a pilot’s watch. Highly attractive and masculine, the dial features two registers at 3 and 9 o’clock indicating seconds and a 30-minute chronograph counter respectively. Inside the large steel case, the radium-painted blued sword hands nicely complement the luminescent Arabic numeral 12 and open-6 on the cream dial. The luminous material on the dial has aged to emit a caramel hue, perfectly matching the very subtle cream color of the dial. Powered by the robust column-wheel operated calibre 285 with an anti-magnetic cover, the timepiece boasts exemplary precision and timekeeping performance.