1945 Universal Geneve Tri-Compax Triple Date Moonphase 37mm 22543

Here we have a 1945 Universal Genève Tri-Compax Triple Date Moonphase 22543, an extraordinary mid-century masterpiece showcasing the absolute zenith of vintage chronograph and calendar watchmaking. With an oversized 37mm stainless steel case that balances commanding wrist presence with historic elegance, it features a lug-to-lug length of 44.5mm and a case thickness of 13mm, creating a robust yet sophisticated profile on the wrist. On the right side sits a classic coin-edged crown flanked by sharp rectangular chronograph pushers, while the left case flank features neat corrector pushers to adjust the calendar functions. A slim bezel holds a domed crystal above a highly complex yet perfectly balanced silvered dial, a true layout triumph for a multi-complication watch. The dial beautifully integrates a triple calendar, featuring apertures for the day and month just below 12 o'clock, a date wheel tracking around a mesmerising moonphase aperture at 12 o'clock, with a traditional three-register chronograph layout. The 30-minute register sits at 3 o'clock, the 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock, and running seconds at 9 o'clock, all framed by an outer blue ink tachymeter scale. Elegant sword hands sweep across the dial, complemented by a tapered sweeping chronograph hand that adds to its mechanical theatre. At the centre of the dial, the clean "Universal Genève" branding completes this incredibly character-rich vintage watch. The reverse features a snap-on stainless steel case back, inside which beats the manually wound Universal Genève Cal. 287, a legendary column-wheel chronograph movement renowned for its intricate architecture and smooth tactile operation. This circa 1945 horological icon comes paired with a well-suited 19mm leather strap.

This watch is sold “Watch Only” and therefore comes with no original Universal Geneve box or papers. The watch comes fresh from a service. It comes paired with a well-suited 19mm leather strap. The watch is from Circa. 1945 is in fair vintage used condition for its age. With a beautiful refinished dial, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

What an incredible watch! I've always had a soft spot for Universal Genève, and the Tri-Compax is undoubtedly one of the most impressive watches they ever produced. There's just so much going on here, with the chronograph, triple calendar and moonphase all packed into that wonderfully proportioned 37mm case. And somehow, despite all those complications, the dial still looks beautifully balanced. This particular example features a refinished dial, which presents wonderfully. It's also fresh from a full service with our watchmakers, so it's ready for its next owner to enjoy. A seriously special piece of vintage watchmaking, and one that offers an incredible amount of history and mechanical complexity for the money. I would not hesitate to add this watch to your collection today!

Reference : 22543
Movement : Manually Wound Universal Cal. 287
Age : Circa. 1945
Year : 1945
Case Size : 37mm
Case Thickness : 13mm
Lug to Lug : 44.5mm
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Universal Genève was founded in 1894 in Le Locle, Switzerland, as Universal Watch, by two Horology students, Ulysse-Georges Perret and Numa-Emile Descombes. By 1919, they had moved their operations to Geneva and renamed the brand Universal Genève. They have been owned by Stelux, a Hong Kong investment group, since 1989. In December of 2023, it was announced that The Partners Group, a private equity firm that owns a majority stake in Breitling, is planning to acquire the Swiss luxury watch brand Universal Genève from Stelux Holdings. This Hong Kong-based holding company has been the brand's custodian since 1989. Over the years, Universal Genève has struggled to gain investment and marketing direction under Stelux Holdings, leading the brand to fall behind its competitors in the luxury watch market. However, the acquisition by The Partners Group is expected to change that. The move is largely driven by Georges Kern, the CEO of Breitling, who has expressed his desire to bring back the historical brand and help it regain its former glory. Kern has successfully turned around the fortunes of Breitling since he took over in 2017, and he is expected to apply the same strategy to Universal Genève. The acquisition comes at a time when there is increased interest in vintage watches, particularly those made by Universal Genève. The brand's vintage timepieces have been fetching record prices at auctions, indicating a renewed interest in the brand. With the cash infusion from The Partners Group, Universal Genève is expected to launch new models and expand its product line to cater to the growing demand for luxury vintage watches. The market is receptive to new offerings from the brand, and the acquisition is seen as a positive step towards reviving Universal Genève's reputation as a leading luxury watch brand.