Universal Genève Tri-Compax 'Eric Clapton'
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1967
The Universal Genève Tri-Compax, often designated as the 'Eric Clapton' model, is a manual-wind chronograph wristwatch featuring a comprehensive calendar complication and a moonphase display.
First introduced in the 1940s, this specific variant dates to 1967 and represents a core development within the Universal Genève Tri-Compax line. The watch is constructed with a stainless steel case featuring screw-down case back, pump-style pushers, and a crown bearing the company signature. The white 'panda' dial incorporates three black sub-dials, a black external tachymeter bezel, applied hour markers with luminous tritium, and baton-style luminous hands.
It operates on the manual-wind caliber 281 movement, which integrates the chronograph and full calendar functions. The piece is fitted with a black alligator leather strap with a stainless steel buckle. The watch exhibits signs of prior usage on its surfaces.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Dial
- Panda
- Type
- Chronograph
- Maker
- Universal Genève
- Model
- Tri-Compax
- Strap
- Black alligator leather
- Caliber
- 281
- Case Material
- Steel
- Complications
- Chronograph, full calendar, moonphase
- Place recorded
- سوئیس
- Production Year
- 1967
- Maker / attribution
- Universal Genève
Design
- Visible features
- • Black external tachymeter bezel surrounding the dial • Three black sub-dials and one moonphase aperture with calendar sub-dial • Manual-wind caliber 281 movement • Stainless steel case with pump pushers and signed crown
- Movement and Mechanism
- This timepiece is powered by the Universal Genève caliber 281, a manual-wind movement. This caliber is designed with an integrated calendar mechanism, allowing the chronograph functionality to exist in conjunction with the various calendar indications. The manual-wind operation requires periodic user intervention to keep the watch running. The mechanical complexity of the caliber 281 enables the simultaneous tracking of chronograph seconds and sub-register functions alongside the perpetual-style calendar features visible on the dial, including the sub-dial for the moonphase and date.
- Design and Complications
- The Tri-Compax is recognized as the most complex model series within the Universal Genève range. This watch displays a comprehensive array of data, incorporating a chronograph function alongside a full calendar displaying day, date, month, and moonphase. The layout includes four sub-dials integrated into a white 'panda' configuration with black registers, providing readability despite the amount of information displayed on the face. The external tachymeter scale is printed on a black bezel insert, framing the dial. The hour markers and baton hands are equipped with tritium luminous material. The case design utilizes a stainless steel construction with a screw-down back and pump-style pushers, complemented by a signed crown. The watch is accompanied by a black alligator leather strap with a matching steel buckle.
- Provenance and Condition
- The watch is frequently referred to by collectors as the 'Eric Clapton' model, referencing its link to the musician. This designation has become a standard association for this specific iteration of the Tri-Compax, which was introduced in 1967. The provided information regarding the watch's origin and historical designation is sourced from external documentation provided by the seller.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The association with Eric Clapton is noted by the source as a model moniker rather than confirmed individual provenance
- Research required: The exact operational status of the calendar and chronograph mechanisms is not explicitly detailed beyond general description