Catalogue en ligne
24 juin 2026 - Basel Watch Auction
Provenance
Swiss Owner
Universal Genève established itself as one of the great names in chronograph history, particularly through the Compax line, introduced in 1935 and notable for pioneering the combination of a 12-hour and 30-minute register. The reference 22430 takes this concept further with an imposing 46 mm stainless-steel case, while maintaining strong proportions and excellent legibility. Its dial, with painted Arabic numerals, tachymeter scale, and blued steel hands, gives it a striking personality, while the faceted lugs enhance its bold presence. Powered by the manually wound calibre 292 with a column wheel, it reflects the brand’s technical excellence. Rare and highly distinctive, this watch stands as one of the most daring and desirable interpretations of the Compax.
Catalogue en ligne 24 juin 2026 - Basel Watch Auction Lot 459
Universal Genève
“Compax Oversize”
Ref. 22430, No. 904886, circa 1942
An oversize stainless-steel manual winding chronograph pilot’s wristwatch
Case: round, rectangular pushers, snap-on case back, signed
Dial: of white with a 1000 base tachometer scale, Arabic numerals indexes, blue steel hands, central seconds hand for the chronograph function, three registers counter for the 30 minutes, 12 hours and constant seconds of the chronograph function, outer minute track, 1/5th second, signed
Movement: mechanical with manual winding, caliber 292, signed
Dimensions: 46 mm
*CHF 8'000 – 12'000
Provenance
Swiss Owner
Universal Genève established itself as one of the great names in chronograph history, particularly through the Compax line, introduced in 1935 and notable for pioneering the combination of a 12-hour and 30-minute register. The reference 22430 takes this concept further with an imposing 46 mm stainless-steel case, while maintaining strong proportions and excellent legibility. Its dial, with painted Arabic numerals, tachymeter scale, and blued steel hands, gives it a striking personality, while the faceted lugs enhance its bold presence. Powered by the manually wound calibre 292 with a column wheel, it reflects the brand’s technical excellence. Rare and highly distinctive, this watch stands as one of the most daring and desirable interpretations of the Compax.