Universal Genève, Tri-Compax, chronograph, ca 1945.
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For condition report contact specialist
Case size: 36,5 mm
Material: 18K gold
Movement: manual, caliber 287
Year: circa 1945
Crystal: plastic crystal
Bracelet: leather strap
Reference number: 12552
Movement number: 246'403
Case number: 1'129'514
Wear due to age and use. Dial with patina. Ding on the lower right lug.
The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, Bukowskis does not guarantee the future function of the movement. Please note that the movement has not been tested for timekeeping accuracy and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Watches have been opened to examine movements therefore no warranties are made that the watches are water-resistant. Potential buyers should inspect each watch to satisfy themselves as to condition. For more information, please read our Conditions of Purchase.
Provenance
Purchased by the current owner's father in the 1940s and then given as a graduation gift in 1966 – hence the engraving on the back.
More information
Universal Genève has a long history of producing some of the most elegant and technically advanced chronographs of the 20th century. One of the most sought-after models in the brand's rich catalogue is the Tri-Compax, a watch introduced in 1944 to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. The model features day, date, month, and moonphase indicators, all powered by an in-house caliber. Among the various references in the series, ref. 12552 stands out as a particularly desirable and beautiful variant, cherished by collectors and watch enthusiasts around the world.
After being in the shadows for several decades, a turn of events occurred for Universal Genève at the end of 2023, when it became known that Breitling had acquired the brand. This has led to speculation about a possible relaunch of Universal Genève, something that many collectors have long hoped for.
Breitling, under the leadership of Georges Kern, has undergone a successful restructuring and modernisation, and has already shown a keen interest in honouring and reviving historical references. It is therefore not unlikely that in the coming years we will witness a new era for Universal Genève, where classic models like the Tri-Compax may be reborn in a modern interpretation.