Universal Genève Compax 1950
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Why We Love it
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Why We Love it
–While the Quartz Crisis caused many Swiss watch companies to shutter during the 1970s and 1980s, Universal Genève was one of the few to embrace the new technology. They phased out their automatic movements in favor of the new (less expensive and more accurate) Japanese imports. In the 1980s, when the manufacture was purchased by a Hong Kong-based investment, Universal Genève focused on the Asian market.
Unfortunately, this decision risked the manufacture's reputation in the industry, from which it has yet to recover; but, the brand soldiered on, releasing watches with automatic movements in the 1990s and 2000s, and even a chronograph or two.
It's in chronographs that Universal Genève has always excelled. In fact, some tout that they lead in the production of a wrist-worn chronograph, back in 1917. Their chronographs from the 1930s and 1940s, with their clean lines and legible dials, attracted the attention of dignitaries and statesmen; members of the Dutch royal family and U.S. President Harry S. Truman were known to wear Universal Genève watches.
But the 1950s to the 1960s were in many ways the golden years of chronograph production for Universal Genève. The chronographs produced during this period (in particular the "Nina Rindt" Compax and the "Eric Clapton" Tri-Compax) have attracted the attention and admiration of collectors. So in the 1990s, when Universal Genève wanted to commemorate its centennial, a chronograph seemed a natural choice.
This model, the Compax 1950 (Reference 884.480), took for its base the acclaimed Compax of the 1960s. Its silhouette should be familiar to collectors, with sharp, twisted lugs and bezel reminiscent of the Omega Speedmaster's. The dial, too, is familiar, with the black-on-white "panda" color-way that characterized the "Nina Rindt." Topped with gold accents, the Compax 1950 feels regal and self-aware, proudly crowned in its sterling bloodline.
And for the movement, Universal Genève relied on the Lemania Calibre 1873, essentially an Omega Caliber .861.
In light of the Compax's undiminished popularity in recent years, this reissue--with its unflagging faithfulness to the original of the 1960s--poses a unique value proposition, tirelessly enjoyable in its own right.
A:S Guarantee
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A:S Guarantee
+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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Shipping & Returns
+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 1950
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