UNIVERSAL. A FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BLACK DIAL, RETAILED BY HERMES
This lot is offered without reserve.
UNIVERSAL. A FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BLACK DIAL, RETAILED BY HERMES

SIGNED COMPAX, UNIVERSAL, GENEVE, RETAILED BY HERMES, COMPAX MODEL, CASE NO. 645’422, MANUFACTURED IN 1937

Details
UNIVERSAL. A FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BLACK DIAL, RETAILED BY HERMES
SIGNED COMPAX, UNIVERSAL, GENEVE, RETAILED BY HERMES, COMPAX MODEL, CASE NO. 645’422, MANUFACTURED IN 1937
Movement: cal. UG 285, manual, signed
Dial: signed by maker and retailer
Case: snap on back, 34 mm. diam., signed
With: Universal Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present timepiece with Hermes writing on the dial in 1937.
Special Notice
This lot is offered without reserve.
Sale Room Notice
This lot should be marked with an + in the printed catalogue, VAT will be charged at 8% on both the premium as well as the hammer price.

Lot Essay

Allying two of the most coveted traits for a chronograph, a stainless steel case and an astonishing black dial with gilt printing, the appeal of the timepiece is further enhanced by its Hermès signature applied above the subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock. Ultimate personalization for this watch, this “double signature” is confirmed by the Extract from the Archives and adds further depth and history to the timepiece.

Founded in 1894 by Ulysse Perret, the Swiss watch company Universal was based in Le Locle before being relocated to Geneva. Although the company first started as a manufacture making watch cases, crowns, dials and movements, the manufacture throughout the years evolved into creating high-end timepieces.

With the increased interest in wristwatches during the 1930s, Universal developed chronographs shortly before the start of World War II with the aim of assisting pilots and soldiers during their trainings or combat operations. During the same period, Universal collaborated with the Parisian high-fashion house Hermès in order to create personalized chronographs as well as offer their watches throughout Europe.

More from Rare Watches

View All
View All