A very cool 60's Chrono....UG Space Compax

[flame]

Hi

This is one of my latest additions....it's a '67 Universal Geneve Space Compax:



It competed directly with the Speedmaster and I seem to remember lost out due to it's water resistance - even though it has a screw down crown & pushers !

The late great Chuck Maddox compared both of them here:

http://www.chronomaddox.com/competit...ce-compax.html

It runs the lovely Valjoux 72 movement and mine has just returned from a full service & sympathetic restore at Swisstec (Swiss Time Services prestige brand off shoot)



There are a number of different combinations of dials , case & crown types and full metal or rubber pushers....here's an original copy of an advert:





These are truly rare & beautiful watches....I won't say they are better than a Speedmaster (now that would be controversial) ....but certainly it's very close & some might say it's even cooler ! :)

All the best - Neil

[camb66]

You are correct- it is super cool!

[zeemeester]

Looks massive, how's it on the wrist?

[dreamboat10]

Very nice that is m8, thanks for showing it.

:D

[Bootsy]

Very, very nice and with a great movement
Never seen one before but will be looking out for them now

[Explorer1]

Unusual and beautiful - great choice.

Cheers,

Andy

[SplitSecond]

Very nice. How big are they?

[village]

Now that i do like...very 8)
Probably just me but it made me think of Tudor initially....not a critisicm just an observation.

[flame]

Morning Gents

It's a very wearable 40mm without the crown....42mm including - so perfect really....

Thanks Neil

[Daddelvirks]

Beautifull!

I've always had a softspot for UG, a great company with lovely movements and designs.
The Space-Compax is a cracking example.
I sold my (more recent, late nineties) Compax Max Biaggi with Lemania 1873 to my brother, who still wears it very often.

Daddel.

[MartinB]

I have always liked those old Universal Geneves. The bracelet reminds me of the one Omega uses for the Seamaster 300.

[magirus]

Handsome. :) It's over two years since I last bought a watch, about time for another I think, and I'm considering seeking out something older this time that needs some TLC.

[Ben Green]

Now, I really like that. Its got a very Heuer/Omega look about it. Enjoy

[johnfm]

Nice that.

[crass mode]
What sort of cost are these things?

[/crass mode off]

[flame]

Nice that.

[crass mode]
What sort of cost are these things?

[/crass mode off]

Hi John

I think they are comparable to a cal 321 Speedy , but due to the rarity they carry a premium - just try finding one another like this beauty....

All the best - Neil

[Carlton-Browne]

Absolutely stunning watch and in very fine condition.

I have always liked those old Universal Geneves. The bracelet reminds me of the one Omega uses for the Seamaster 300.

Even to the extent that our resident Omega bracelet specialist, Gingerboy, did one of his excellent refurb jobs on the one attached to my UG Unisonic :).

[Pablo]

Not seen that model before, and I'm very impressed. Thanks for posting.

regards,
Nick

[EdRonax]

First for me as well, its a thing of beauty for sure.

[learningtofly]

Very, very nice and with a great movement
Never seen one before but will be looking out for them now

As above, that's really nice and it just goes to show what's out there that's a little different to the norm.

[gray]

UGs have been under-rated for years but that one is still new to me. Very smart 8)

[watchcollector1]

Absolutely stunning and a bargain when compared to a vintage Daytona with the same movement!

[bongo]

These have been on my radar for a long time 8) Where would you put it value wise?

Out of interest, as you say, this was one of the Texas Jewellers sweep by NASA, is there any difinitive list of the other 'suspects'?

I MUST have it, btw.......Look into my eyes.....look into my eyes........look into m.......... :wink:

[dave.charlton]

A great watch - I have been keeping an eye out for a few years for one of these, but as usual they have just gone up and up in price. Not surprising as they look very individual and colourful - enjoy it.

Dave

[Dale Vito]

awesome watch sir, nice catch. I'd love to add one to the stable one day.

[lencoth]

Absolutely stunning and a bargain when compared to a vintage Daytona with the same movement!

My thoughts exactly. Congratulations on your pick up.

[zecko]

Interesting bracelet for the era, must have been the inspiration for the Bond bracelet on Seamasters

[corto]

A little bit late.....

Congrats for the ultra cool "Space Compax"!!!
This UV ist in my Top Ten of the best watches ever.


Regards!

[bagel]

Very nice vintage chrono....... :P

[witti]

I really like Universal and its a lovely chrono. Congrats!

[markie3182]

Cool watch you won't bump into another one of those standing at the bar

[heuerkane]

Fantastic looking watch.

[seikopath]

beautiful. much nicer than a speedie imho


*ducks*

[Submariner024]

A fine watch. Love the val 72 historically used in this the daytona and my heuer autavia (also other brands) think That could be on my watches to purchase before you die list !!!

[zewok]

Nice watch, pretty unusual

[Trum]

This is anamazing piece! Super cool !

[Foxy100]

Lovely, really lovely.

[Victor]

This is a Fantastic watch ,

Had the pleasure of meeting Neil for a few Beers and Dinner when I was in London and he was wearing this one . Beautifully balanced ... I love the Dial , Hands & Chrono Pushers ... great Movement . A Wonderful vintage chrono !!!!

Neil ... all the best mate !

Vic :)

[flame]

Guys

Thanks for all the kind comments....I've swapped it over to a Sharkskin strap recently & taken a couple more reference pics aswell (must have another go at capturing the blue'd sub dial hands though - EDIT: Now done ! :) ):





and



All the best - Neil

[GraniteQuarry]

That really is a cracker, beautiful piece! Must admit, it's a model I've never seen before :D

[corto]

A chance for an wristshot?

[pacifichrono]

Outstanding!

[Scottie]

Not seen one of those before and the blue sub dial hands are just 8)

[porka]

Very nice, looks great on new strap... 8)

[pacchi]

Guys

Thanks for all the kind comments....I've swapped it over to a Sharkskin strap recently & taken a couple more reference pics aswell (must have another go at capturing the blue'd sub dial hands though - EDIT: Now done ! :) ):





and



All the best - Neil

extra 8)
I especially like the asymetrical setup of the chrono pushers!

[watch-nut]

one of the nicest vintage chronos i have seen in a while, this is about the 10th time i have come back to look at the pics, lovely 8)

[rick]

über cool :-) .... really nice watch!!!

[Hedegaard]

Love the red hand :D but imho the watch is better on a strap instead of the bracelet...

[jason recliner]

Stunning. And very very cool.

[LouS]

Beautiful, Neil, as good as late model UG's get!

I'm adding to the thread to draw your attention to what I believe are fakes recently built out of parts starting to appear on EBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNIVERSAL-GENEV ... 414wt_1084
http://www.ebay.de/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 500wt_1413

Note consecutive caseback numbers, wrong hands, incorrect subdial colors and incorrect bridge markings. The Valjoux 72 was internally designated the cal. 85 at Universal Geneve, and should be so marked.
I hypothesize that these watches (the Ebay ones, not the very nice one that flame has posted) have been assembled out of parts that have been on sale on the 'Bay for some time, for example

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Genev ... 270wt_1396

If anybody has any evidence that these are valid UG models - catalog pics would be ideal - please share it.

[flame]

Hi Lou

Yes , definitely some suspect examples there....

There is of course this case style which Alistair(ATG) had a few years ago:



and also this dial version....



Pics courtesy of ATG

Thanks Neil