Universal Genève Tri-Compax 22258, Circa 1944

This circa 1944 Universal Genève Tri-Compax 22258 epitomises Universal’s timeless aesthetics and technical mastery of chronographs as Europe emerged from WWII’s darkness. This watch and its contemporary stablemates were showpieces of chronograph design, featuring innovative dual push-pieces and chronographic hour counters, which released timekeepers from the constraints of working within restrictive 30’ or 45’ time frames. Now you can acquire an impressive example of the state of the art from this important time in Swiss watchmaking.

An interesting 1940s Swiss-made chrono

Are you a focused Universal Genève enthusiast seeking another piece for your collection? Or a vintage watch collector with a more general taste who craves an interesting 1940s Swiss chrono? Either way, we’re sure this manual-wind, 34 mm case, Universal Genève Tri-Compax could have been made just for you. For a start, there’s the engaging charm of its beautifully patinated face. Then there’s the historical significance of an impressively complicated watch that sat proudly at the pinnacle of Universal’s Compax collection. And then there’s the future investment potential. Together, they mark this 22258 out for prompt action. Contact us today!

The Universal Genève Tri-Compax is ‘pleasingly modern’

First, about a decade before this watch came the original Compax and Compur. Later, with its chronograph, calendar and moonphase complications, Universal Genève crafted the 22258. We’re not alone in adoring a timepiece that (in Universal Genève – 100 ans de tradition horlogère) Italo Bonificio and Laura Rivolta describe as having ‘smooth and unfussy lines…pleasingly modern even after so many years, an asset common to so many Universal watches.’ Best of all, this highly collectible and, we believe, currently undervalued Tri-Compax chronograph could soon be in your watch box – or on your wrist and starting conversations!

Technical & Condition

Condition: the distinctive Tri-Compax dial with Tachymeter scale boasts a beautiful, even patina and subtle palette of blue and grey, with orange and red hand highlights and rich golden hues on the moonphase disc. Dial, case and crystal are all assessed as good.

Year: 1940s

Case size (exc. crown): 34 mm

Case material: Stainless steel with Universal’s characteristic rectangular pushers, round corrector pushers at 8 o’clock and 10 o’clock, and a new winding crown.

Movement calibre: Manual winding Cal. 481; recently serviced.

IMPORTANT: Universal’s Tri-Compax is known for being hard – and expensive – to work on. Make sure yours comes fully serviced (not just ‘inspected’) and guaranteed – like this example.

Strap/bracelet: Leather strap

Box and papers: Ours

Shipping:

For orders placed before 2pm orders will be shipped the same day.

Your watch will be carefully packaged and shipped fully insured with leading global courier companies.

Delivery Prices:

Delivery within the UK is Free. Delivery within Europe is £30. Delivery for the Rest of the World is £50.

Returns:

Don't like it or change your mind? Return it for a full refund with our 14 day, no hassle returns on all sales. See the full conditions here.

The Watches

Are all watches authenticated?

All our watches pass through a double authentication process to insure their authenticity. We also provide detailed photos of the watch from all angles to allow you to undertake your own anlysis. Finally as with everything, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly team

What if something goes wrong with the watch

Whilst all our watches are fully serviced before sale, if something does go wrong, we'll repair it for free as part of our 1 year warranty

Do watches come with original box and papers?

It depends on the individual watch. You can see details under "The Basics" heading on this page. For the majority of vintage watches their original box and papers have been lost to time. Whilst they are nice to have, it’s important to note that “box and papers” DO NOT authenticate a watch despite what many in our trade say. It’s also important to realise alot of sellers (including some of the most well known in the UK) put together full sets of box, papers, hang tags etc by buying blank paperwork and boxes in the secondary market. This is a very regrettable, but unfortunately common occurrence in the trade but something we will never do!

How do I know it will fit?

For metal bracelets we provide the size it will currently fit in the description section of this page. If this measurement is too large or too small we are able to assist in either adding or removing links. We also offer this service, post service on a at-cost basis (i.e. we don't add a margin).

Can you change the strap?

Absolutely! If you don't like the current strap, let us know and we'll change it for free! We maintain a broad selection of styles and can also source straps to your specification free of charge.

Can you source something similar?

Absolutely! If its not quite what you’re looking for just get in touch and we can source one with our Free, No Obligation sourcing service. You can contact us on phone, live chat or simply submit the details of what you’re looking for on our “Find a Watch” page.

Payment

What payment options do you offer?

We accept payment by all leading credit and debit cards, ApplePay as well as bank transfer.

Do you offer financing?

Currently we don't offer financing but it’s something we're exploring.

Shipping & Returns

Can you ship an order to arrive on a certain day?

We can certainly try! We can request with our shipment partners for delivery on a certain day but ultimately the exact delivery date is subject to a number of factors outside our control.

How do I return a watch?

Simply let us know you want to send the watch back within the 14 return period and return it to us via Royal Mail Special Delivery. We’ll process your refund the same day we receive the watch back.

Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions

You can find our full terms and conditions here.