
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Universal Genève Aero-Compax "Batman" Exotic Dial Ref. 890101/01 Chronograph, 1967
- Maker / attribution
- Universal Genève (maker)
- Date
- 1967
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 41 mm
- Stock no.
- W-2895
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-2895)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Universal Genève Aero-Compax "Batman" Exotic Dial Ref. 890101/01 Chronograph (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-2895), this is a wristwatch by Universal Genève, made in Switzerland, dated 1967. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 41 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Bulang & Sons
Today, we are offering a rare Aero-Compax "Batman" Chronograph, a watch that excels in both functionality and design. This chronograph features a special dial displaying time in a 24-hour format, with the hour hand completing one full rotation in 24 hours. Each hour is marked from 1 to 24, and the rotating ghost grey 24-hour bezel allows you to easily track time in a second time zone. The Aero-Compax "Batman" captivates with its rare, exotic, and aesthetically appealing dial, reminiscent of the legendary comic superhero. The upper half of the dial is white, representing the daytime hours (6 to 18), while the lower black half marks the nighttime hours (18 to 24 and 0 to 6). Three sub-registers display the running seconds and chronograph counters, adding to the watch's allure. Featuring an oversized 41mm case, this watch ensures improved readability and matches the popular proportions sought after by today's collectors. On the wrist, this chronograph makes a bold impression, standing out with its striking presence. It comes on a stylish Bulang and Sons single-pass strap, as this watch has fixed spring bars. The hand-wound UG Caliber 90 has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. Experience the perfect blend of practicality and aesthetic appeal with the Aero-Compax "Batman." Don’t miss the opportunity to own this rare piece—contact us today! Specifications: - Universal Genève Aero-Compax, Ref. 890101/01 - 41mm steel case - Light grey revolving bezel - Serial 2583xxx, dating to 1967 - Black and white rare "day and night" exotic "Batman" dial - Bulang and Sons single-pass strap - Universal Genève Cal. 90 (based on Venus 178) - Fully serviced by our watchmaker
Historical context
Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.
The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking
Atlas type guide
Chronographs and split-seconds watches
A chronograph is a watch with an additional seconds hand that can be started, stopped and returned to zero independently of the timekeeping. Louis Moinet built an early example in 1816 and Nicolas Rieussec a recording 'chronographe' in 1821; Adolphe Nicole's heart-shaped reset cam (patented 1862) made the modern return-to-zero possible. Split-seconds (rattrapante) chronographs add a second hand that can be stopped for intermediate times; flyback chronographs restart instantly.
Chronographs were essential tools for doctors (pulsometer scales), artillery (telemeter), engineers and sport. In wristwatches, Valjoux, Venus, Lemania and later the automatic chronographs of 1969 (Zenith El Primero, the Chronomatic Calibre 11 group and Seiko 6139) are milestones.
What to look for
- Push-pieces on the case band or a single button in the crown (monopusher).
- Subsidiary registers for minutes and hours; tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer scales.
- Column wheel versus cam control visible in the movement.
- Calibre markings of specialist makers (Valjoux, Lemania, Venus, Landeron).
Dating clues
- Pocket chronographs with heart cam reset: after 1862.
- Wrist chronographs: from c. 1910; two-button designs from the 1930s.
- Automatic chronographs: from 1969.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
Read next:Flyback chronographChronograph
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