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Universal Genevè Aero compax Ref 89010/01, late 1960 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Universal Genevè Aero compax Ref 89010/01, late 1960

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Universal Geneve (maker)
Date
late 1960
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 41 mm
Stock no.
W-2572
Credit line
Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-2572)
Catalogue title (original)
Universal Genevè Aero compax Ref 89010/01 (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-2572), this is a wristwatch by Universal Geneve, made in Switzerland, dated late 1960. 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

This is cool! The Aerocompax is something of a unique watch, notable for its 24-hour display, a big change from the traditional 12-hour dial commonly found in watches. This feature was useful for pilots navigating intercontinental flights, quickly seeing the difference between AM and PM times. This cool Universal also has a 3-register chronograph, a rotating 24-hour bezel for tracking a second time zone, and a distinctive 15-minute counter at the 3 o'clock position ; as the 15minute duration was the time for running the pre-flight check-list of an aircraft ! The case remains in nice condition, with good strong lugs. The dial remains in great condition with just the right amount of patina that we would love to see on a vintage piece like this. The watch comes on a rare UG-branded Gay Frères bracelet with a clasp stamped 3 69, that would fit a wrist size up to 18cm. The UG calibre 90, based on a Venus 178, manual wind movement has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. This is a great watch and we would love to show you in person at our lounge or via a video call. Get in touch to set something up! Specifications: - Universal Geneve 89010/01 - 41 mm steel case - Serial 2583xxx dates to late 1960's - White dial with 24 hour display - UG calibre 90 manual wind 24 hour movement (based on Venus 178) - Original UG-signed Gay Freres steel bracelet - Fully serviced by our watchmaker - Includes a handmade leather watch pouch

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

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

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.

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