Universal Geneve Compax (Ref. 885103/01) "Evil Nina" W/ Base 200 UPH Bezel, 1960s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

There are many collectible vintage watches, but only a few references have been propelled to pop-culture status, receiving the namesake of a past icon that was known for wearing the specific timepiece. Paul Newman with the exotic dial Rolex Daytona, Eric Clapton with the Universal Geneve Tri-Compax moon phase, Steve McQueen with the Heuer Monaco, Nina Rindt with the white dial Universal Geneve Compax, and Joe Siffert with the white dial Heuer Autavia to name a few. These iconic people were looked at as the gold standard of “cool” for their achievements, taste, and style which transcended to the watch community as collectors noticed the exciting timepieces they chose to daily drive. Nina Rindt was a style icon in Europe and a well-known model. However, her most noticeable appearances were at the Formula One track where she was often seen timing her late Husband Jochen Rindt who was a famous F1 racer throughout the 60s. Jochen Rindt was also notably known for wearing a Heuer Autavia ref. 2446 and gifted Nina the Universal Geneve Compax ref. 885103/02 which would later become a wristwatch icon on its own. While Nina Rindt made the ref. 885103/02 famous, featuring a white dial with black sub-dials, the Compax was produced in another dial colorway that bears the "Nina" nickname as well. The ref. 885103/01 Compax is essentially the inverse of the white dial variant and can be more theatrically described as its evil twin, featuring a matte black dial with white sub-dials and a bright red center chronograph hand. Subsequently, this black dial variant was dutifully nicknamed the "Evil Nina" and has risen in the ranks of notable timepieces alongside its white dialed counterpart. As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all ships, though we think the Evil Nina deserves to be celebrated as a standalone and respectable timepiece from one of the most exciting companies from the 20th century. SPECS Stock # UGC885103/01EN Brand Universal Geneve Style Compax Model 885103/01 Serial N/A Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Matte Black W/ White Sub-Dials Millimeters 36 Bracelet 2pc Handmade Leather Rally Strap CASE & BRACELET The excellent case shows light signs of use and has seen a gentle polishing in its past, retaining the beautifully executed twisted lugs design with robust dimensions and symmetry. The original and extremely rare base 200 "Units Per Hour" black acrylic bezel is very well preserved with no cracks or separation present and only light signs of use. The case retains its original Universal Geneve signed crown and pump pushers. The serial and reference were removed from the case back in a past polishing which is very common to see as they were applied very lightly from the factory. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc handmade leather rally strap. DIAL & HANDS The gorgeous matte black dial with white sub-dials is exceptionally well-preserved with no blemishes or signs of age present. the white sub-dials exhibit a slight warmth in coloration and feature no damage or dust that would normally be seen in this dial variant. The tritium lume plots have achieved a handsome creamy patina and show no notable degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium lumed sub-dial hands and tritium hour and minute hands all match the dial's lume patina nicely with no degradation present under U.V. light inspection. The lume in the original red center chronograph hand remains fully present as well and has aged slightly darker which is commonly seen and fits the overall aesthetic of the watch. ACCESSORIES None. Watch is functioning and keeping time perfectly, previous service history is unknown