Year: Circa 1967
Reference No: 885105/02
Case No: 2’569’975
Model Name: Universal Compax, “Nina Rindt”
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Manual, cal. 72, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Universal Gay Freres bracelet, max length 195mm
Clasp/Buckle: Stainlesss steel Universal deployant clasp
Accessories: Accompanied with blank Universal guarantee, instruction manual, hang tag and fitted presentation box.

The history of Universal Genève mirrors the history of the chronograph wristwatch. Founded in 1894 in Le Locle as Universal Watch, the brand initially began as a workshop assembling watch parts. Today, Universal’s chronograph wristwatches are highly sought after both for their modern mid-20th century aesthetic, fascinating dial variations, and superb quality. Highly collectible, the present “Nina Rindt” Compax ref. 885103/02 preserved in stunning condition is a rarebird amongst its kind. Fitted with a MK 2 dial identified with the later square and U logo at 12 o’clock and black painted chronograph hands, the contrast of the black and white is simply gorgeous. Originally fitted with a Tachymeter bezel, according to scholars, during 1966-1967 with a serial range from 2’569’8XX-2’569’9XX, a small batch of no more than 200 pieces were fitted with a rare trait, the pulsation bezel. Amongst the serial range the latter part of the batch are known to have a common trait where the registers have turned tropical brown. Ticking all the boxes for rarity, collectability and condition, the timepiece bears a serial of 2’569’975 likely to be part of the very last batch of the pulsation Compax series. The dial has aged into a pleasing off-white hue with evenly aged luminous plots, and three registers have slightly gained an attractive tropicalised patina. The timepiece is furthermore accompanied with a guarantee, Japanese manual and price tag stating its price back in the days in Japanese yen.