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