Universal Genève Compax Chronograph ‘Evil Nina’ MK1 Full Set

Who, in this beautiful world of fine vintage watches, doesn´t dream with a Rolex Daytona ‘Paul Newman’? Exactly; everyone. Well, why not get similar looks and quality for much less?

Initially introduced in 1935, the Universal Genève Compax has seen much iteration over the years and gradually it became one of the coolest looking sports watches from the 1960's. It wasn't until 2006 however that a certain Universal was given its celebrity name when someone on a forum posted a picture of Finnish model and Formula 1 widow Nina Rindt wearing a panda dialed chronograph. After some guessing and research it was discovered to be a Universal Genève Compax Ref. 885103/03 and the name has stuck with the watch ever since.

About its dark side; Universal Genève simply called this the "Compax" chronograph and the reference number is 885103/01. With its contrasting beauty, it had a more limited production thus increasing its rarity. It gained the nickname ‘Evil Nina’ because it's the black-dialed counterpart of Nina Rindts’ watch.

Powered by the legendary Valjoux 72 hand-wound movement, the Compax is a fantastic example of sixties design; large thick metallic hour and minute hands, thick black register hands standing out in contrast to the white subs (you can note a blue’d steel color depending on the light) and a bright red chronograph sweep hand, again, contrasting with the black matte dial with printed baton markers with luminescent ends, giving it a spark of brightness. The lugs are perhaps the favorite part of this design for collectors; twisted outwards in a very seductive way.

This example here remains in original condition; all hands are correct and original, representing the early variations with thick hands and not the later versions with thinner hands. The case remains sharp and unpolished, as well as the case back which still shows both serial and reference numbers. The movement has been fully serviced and it is running great. The original DON bezel remains in perfect condition with no scratches or dents at all. It comes with the original and signed acrylic crystal.

If this was not enough, the original box, blank guarantee papers, booklet and Extract From the Archives are also included making this example an excellent set not to be missed.