
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Universal Genève Tri-Compax in 18k Yellow Gold with Original Box and Guarantee Paper Ref 1.281.100, 1986
- Maker / attribution
- Universal Geneve (maker)
- Date
- 1986
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- 18k yellow gold
- Dimensions
- Case 33 mm
- Stock no.
- W-2750
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-2750)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Universal Genève Tri-Compax in 18k Yellow Gold with Original Box and Guarantee Paper Ref 1.281.100 (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-2750), this is a wristwatch by Universal Geneve, made in Switzerland, dated 1986. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: 18k yellow gold. Recorded dimensions: Case 33 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 a Universal Genève Tri-Compax, reference 1.281.100, a superb example from the last series featuring three complications -a chronograph, moon phase, and calendar., hence the name “Tri compax”. We love offering you guys interesting and unusual pieces, and we think we have struck gold again! This watch has a 18kt yellow gold straight lug snapback case adorned with olive pushers and a uniquely shaped crown, complemented by an eye-catching white dial with four yellow subdials and calendar windows. The case and dial are in fantastic condition. This Tri-Compax isn’t just about its looks; it also comes with a fascinating history, evidenced by the charming "Giorgio" inscription on the case back. The original funky Universal Genève box and guarantee card, marking the sale in 1986, accompany the watch. It is currently fitted on the pictured leather strap. The calibre UG 281 movement within has been fully checked and regulated by our watchmaker. Discover this unique Universal Genève Tri-Compax by visiting us at the Bulang and Sons watch lounge or contact us to learn more about how this exceptional watch can enhance your collection! Specifications: - Reference 1.281.100 - 33 mm 18k yellow gold case - Dates to 1986 - White dial with four yellow subdials and day-date windows - Olive pushers - Original Universal Genève box and guarantee card - Shown leather strap - Calibre UG 281 movement - Fully checked and regulated by our watchmaker
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
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.
Related records
Wristwatches · 1970s
1970s Universal Geneve Polerouter Day-Date Movement Dial Cal 72 Microtor 17J 29mm Auto
LiveAuctioneers auction archive
Wristwatches · 1960s
Universal Geneve Uni- Compax (Ref. 884100/02) “Big Eye”, 1960s
Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles
Wristwatches · 1960s
Universal Genève Tri-Compax (Ref. 881101/01) "Eric Clapton", 1960s
Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles
Wristwatches · 1960s
Universal Geneve Compax (Ref. 885103/01) "Evil Nina" W/ Base 200 UPH Bezel, 1960s
Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles
Wristwatches · 1970
Wristwatch by Heno, Switzerland, 1970
Museum Rotterdam
Wristwatches · 1960–1986
'Tri-Compax' calendar chronograph wristwatch in gold case, by Universal, Geneva, Switzerland, 1960–1986.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · 1969–1970
Beta 21 Quartz wristwatch movement, made in Switzerland, 1970.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · c. 1969
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, ref. 145022-69st, c. 1969
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
