Universal Genève Compax "Nina Rindt" 885105/02

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SKU AS01666
SKU AS01666

Why We Love it

When it comes to vintage chronographs, "Panda Dials" have been getting lots of attention on the collector market as of late. The nickname refers to a white dial with black subsidiary registers, and is a simple aesthetic choice which has become extremely sought after in the collector community, with variants (like "reverse panda"--that is, white-on-black) often being more desirable. Of course, a timepiece need not have an association with a famous historical figure to have the same great looks, but when they do it makes the story all the sweeter.

This particular watch, a Universal Genève chronograph originally known simply as a Compax, is now referred to as the "Nina Rindt" among collectors. Already a stunning vintage sports watch, this model was catapulted into the collector's periphery after being worn by the famous model Nina Rindt, nee' Nina Lincoln, who was married to the legendary Formula One driver Joachim Rindt in 1967. Although Joachim died in a crash during a practice run for the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Italy in 1970, he went on to win the Formula One World Driver's Championship posthumously, which has never happened before or since.

His wife, Nina, was unquestionably the better looking of the pair, and one look at period photographs of her wearing the watch makes most men go weak in the knees...whether the cause was her honey-colored hair and high cheekbones or the chronograph strapped to her wrist on a wide leather strap is indeterminate...

We're not going to mince words. The triple-register "Nina Rindt" Chronograph by Universal Genève is the single most in-demand timepiece we have ever had pleasure to deal with. These spectacular chronographs are exceptionally rare (one for every 100 Paul Newman Daytonas is probably a reasonable guess) and the few that have come to market in the recent past are well known.

This steel chronograph is sized at 36mm, and wears similarly to early references of the Daytona. And the comparisons to Rolex's iconic motorsports chronograph don't end there. Like the most popular versions of the Daytona, the Universal Geneve features an absolutely lovely Panda Dial with triple subsidiary register layout, featuring registers for 30-minute and 12-hour counters along with sweeping subsidiary seconds. Like the early Daytonas, the power for this gorgeous timepiece comes from the legendary Calibre 72 manually-winding chronograph movement by Valjoux, a movement renowned for its robust and accurate performance. Only a handful of these special chronographs were made to begin with, and even fewer remain in existence today.

This particular example is in incredibly clean original condition, with an unmolested case, flawless dial, late glossy black hand set, signed crown, and an insanely rare original outer Pulsations bezel. This is the only example with a Pulsations bezel that we've ever had the pleasure to offer.

It goes without saying that this is a truly rare opportunity to get your hands on one of the most desirable chronographs from the golden age of sporting timers, at a price roughly equivalent to a "starter" Daytona.

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Universal Genève Compax

Universal Genève Compax "Nina Rindt" 885105/02

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Universal Genève Compax

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