Universal Genève Tri-Compax Ref. 881101/02 'Evil Clapton' - Matte Black 'Reverse-Panda' Dial Unpolished
Universal Genève was one of the many great brands that succumbed to the quartz crisis of the 1970s. While they disappeared, it was not for their lack of impressive watches. To underscore that fact, keep in mind that Henri Stern Watch Agency in their nearly 80-year history has only ever sold two brands: Patek Philippe, and Universal Genève.
Touted until this very day as an incredible achievement in complicated watchmaking, the ‘Tri-Compax' family of watches was introduced in 1944 and slid in above both the existing chronographs (e.g., Compax, Medico-Compax, Dato-Compax, Film-Compax etc.) as well as the other complicated calendar watches offered by UG at the time as the brands most complicated timepieces. In many ways, the Tri-Compax combined the two ranges of watches, adding a moonphase, day, date, and month complication to a chronograph. It was produced for around 25-years in a variety of metals, shapes, sizes, and with a slew of dial variants.
The example that we have here dates to circa 1965 and is known to collectors as an 'Evil Clapton.' It follows the same formula as the more common 'Evil Nina' in that it is the inverse color-way of the 'Nina,' plus a red chronograph seconds hand. The twisted 'lyre' lug case remains unpolished and shows normal signs of wear throughout, with a correct black aluminum tachymetre bezel insert, a correct signed crown at the 3 o'clock position, and 'pump' pushers. On the left case profile, there are 'micro-pushers' for setting the month, moonphase, and 'pointer' date around the moonphase aperture. The dial is simply immaculate — seemingly, flawless and devoid of any major wear or damage. The Tritium plots remain fully-intact and evenly patinated, with a correct handset throughout.
Powering this piece is UG's own Cal. 281 manual-winding movement.
Design details like the the dynamic twisted-lug case, the externally affixed bezel, and the high-grade and complicated manual-winding movement within, and the busy, yet incredibly sophisticated dial layout, amount to a piece that clearly shows why Universal Genève was ultimately considered to be one of the finest manufactures in the era.
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