Universal Geneve Uni-Compax 'Big Eye' Ref. 884100/02
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1960s
Maker / issuer
Universal GeneveThis 1960s Universal Geneve Uni-Compax, reference 884100/02, is a manual-wind chronograph wrist watch. Housed in a 36mm stainless steel case, it features the 'Big Eye' dial configuration, characterized by an oversized minute counter at the three o'clock position.
The dial displays a satin-finished center contrasting against a concentrically brushed metallic outer tachymeter scale, bisected by a red crosshair. The watch utilizes blued steel hour and minute hands, with rectangular sub-dial hands. The case retains its original pump-style pushers and a crown signed with the Universal Geneve shield. It is secured by a two-piece leather strap. According to the auction description, the case retains its factory serial and reference number engravings on the case back, although these have become faint from wear.
The tritium lume on the dial and hands has aged to a dark grey-beige patina.
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
- Satin Silver 'Big Eye'
- Type
- Chronograph
- Maker
- Universal Geneve
- Serial
- 23XXXXX
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Movement
- Manual-wind
- Reference
- 884100/02
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Luminous material
- Tritium
- Maker / attribution
- Universal Geneve
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch features a stainless steel case measuring 36mm in diameter. It is equipped with pump-style pushers and a crown that bears the Universal Geneve shield. The lugs are described as robust and broad, retaining their original form with minimal evidence of polishing, although signs of wear are visible. The dial, identified as the 'Big Eye' configuration, features a satin-finished central area contrasted by a metallic outer tachymeter scale. A red crosshair runs through the center of the dial and into the sub-dials. The hour and minute hands are blued steel, while the sub-dial hands are rectangular in shape. Tritium luminous material is present on the indices and hands, having developed a dark grey-beige patina over time.
- Visible features
- • Oversized three o'clock sub-dial • Blued steel hour and minute hands • Universal Geneve shield on the winding crown • Red crosshair dial detailing
- Chronograph Layout
- The Uni-Compax is a two-register chronograph. The defining feature of this specific reference is the asymmetrical layout created by an oversized minute counter at the three o'clock position, contrasting with the smaller constant seconds sub-dial at the nine o'clock position. Both sub-dials are reported to be in clean and well-defined condition. The hand in the nine o'clock sub-dial shows signs of minor, stable degradation, while the hands in the sub-dials are original to the watch. Under ultraviolet inspection, the lume within the hands appears stable and free from degradation.
- Provenance and Condition
- The watch is presented with its original case engravings, which include the factory serial and reference numbers on the case back, though the auction description reports these are faint due to wear. The overall condition of the dial is described as virtually flawless without notable age or damage. The piece is currently in working order, though the vendor notes that the service history is unknown. It is supplied on a two-piece handmade leather strap. No additional accessories or documentation accompany this watch.
Identification
- Reference
- 884100/02
- Serial number
- 23XXXXX
- 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: Service history is unknown
- Research required: Serial and reference numbers on case back are reported as faint from wear