Universal geneve compax, chronograph 884 . 485 BURGUNDY, 1990s — view 1 of 6 — View 1 of 6 · Image: Bulang & Sons · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

View 1 of 6 · Image: Bulang & Sons · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Universal geneve compax, chronograph 884 . 485 BURGUNDY, 1990s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.

Maker / attribution: Unrecorded in source
Date: 1990s
Historical period: Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Country of origin: Switzerland
Object type: Wristwatch
Dimensions: Case 37 mm
Dealer: Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen
Stock no.: UNIVERSAL GENEVE COMPAX CHRONOGRAPH 884 . 485 BURGUNDY
Credit line: Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (UNIVERSAL GENEVE COMPAX CHRONOGRAPH 884 . 485 BURGUNDY)
Catalogue title (original): UNIVERSAL GENEVE COMPAX CHRONOGRAPH 884 . 485 BURGUNDY (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number UNIVERSAL GENEVE COMPAX CHRONOGRAPH 884 . 485 BURGUNDY), this is a wristwatch, made in Switzerland, dated 1990s. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 37 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

Here we have another great Universal Genève Compax Chronograph. Ref. 884.485 with burgundy subdials and tachymeter bezel. Made in the 1990s, this 37mm stainless steel beauty is obviously inspired by the vintage Daytonas. Plexiglass and the Lemania 1873 movement complete this beauty. Freshly serviced ready to wear. Very outstanding piece, but let the pictures speak for themselves. The dial and case is still very fresh. The bakelite bezel shows some wear, see images. The watch comes with inner and outer box and the Universal Genève strap with deployment buckle. Also we added a nice red/brown rugged B&S leather strap. Specification – Ref. 884.485 - 2 Burgundy sub dials - 37mm stainless steel case - Lemanie 1873 movement - Original Bakelite tachymeter scale bezel - Universal Geneve box set - 1 x B&S Handmade italian leather strap

Historical context

Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)

Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.

Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.

Read the period in the timeline More wristwatches from this period Earlier: Quartz Revolution

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.

Mechanisms mentioned

Chronograph — Complication

Record completeness

Maker or attributionNot in source
DateRecorded
Place or countryRecorded
MaterialsNot in source
DimensionsRecorded
Narrative descriptionRecorded
Inscriptions / marksNot in source
ProvenanceNot in source
Several photographsRecorded

Editorial status: Documented — facts as published by the source; not independently verified by Atlas editors.

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Sources & image rights

Record source: Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (opens another website in a new tab).

Image rights: © Bulang & Sons — dealer photographs; permission required (opens another website in a new tab).

Images are hosted by the Atlas for study and credited to their owner. Rights holders may request correction, credit changes or removal, or grant permission, via the editorial office.

Cite this record

"Universal geneve compax, chronograph 884 . 485 BURGUNDY, 1990s." Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen, UNIVERSAL GENEVE COMPAX CHRONOGRAPH 884 . 485 BURGUNDY. Catalogue record in The Horology Atlas, WatchMuseum.org, https://atlas.watchmuseum.org/museum/universal-geneve-compax-chronograph-884-485-burgundy-cc93b9.