Universal Genève Compur ref. 22445, Luminous Black Dial

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

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. The piece that we have here hails from the early 1940s — a time when the world was at war. Predating the more recognizable ‘Compax’ line of watches were a few different chronographs produced with specific use-cases in mind (e.g., Film-Compax, Medico-Compax, Dato-Compax, etc.) this 'Compur' chronograph was a relatively straightforward two-register chronograph in the family. Far simpler than their perhaps better known high complication ‘Tri-Compax,' the Compur were still offered with a variety of cases and dial variants and utilized in-house Universal Genève calibres. This particular Reference 22445 is amongst the finest we have ever seen. Dating to circa 1941, the 37mm stainless steel case remains in unpolished condition, with nice symmetrical lugs, square pushers, and a snapback caseback. Inside, unlike so many Compurs out there, this one not only features a stunning glossy black dial, but one in fantastic condition. Beautifully preserved throughout, the surface is largely clean and devoid of any major wear or moisture incursion, with excellent text, 'concentric' finishing within the subsidiary registers, attractive patinated numerals, and a beautifully matching 'kite' handset. This piece is powered by UG's manual-winding Cal. 287. Examples in condition like this with a desirable configuration simply do not surface on the open market all that often... and with the recent re-launch of the brand, collectors seem to be holding on to pieces like this, making for a great opportunity to grab this one.