Details

Circa: 1966
Movement: cal. UG 85, manual, 17 jewels, signed
Dial: signed
Case: screw back, screw down crown and rubber-set chronograph buttons, 37.5 mm. diam., signed
With: stainless steel Universal bracelet, deployant clasp stamped GF for Gay Frères and 3.69, overall length of approx. 200 mm., blank period Certificate of Guarantee and brochure, sales tag, original fitted presentation box and outer packing, Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture of the present Space-Compax in 1966.
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Lot Essay

The present Space-Compax is preserved in literally new condition, still retaining the original bracelet made by the celebrated Gay Frères in the third quarter of 1969. It furthermore features the original rubber chronograph pushers, factory sticker to the case back, sales tag, blank guarantee and fitted presentation box, all rarities by themselves.

This rare model preserved in such excellent original and complete condition is a great find for the collector of unusual sports watches.

The Space-Compax, part of Universal Genève’s celebrated Compax series of chronographs, is doubtlessly one of the firm’s most unusual designs. Various speculations exist about the origins of its name and purpose. Launched during the beginnings of space travel in the 1960s, one theory suggests that it may have been designed as a replacement of the Omega Speedmaster as NASA's watch of choice.

The Space-Compax was produced in two series, the present example and its all-black dial configuration being from the first as opposed to the white subsidiary dials and large numeral at 12 o’clock found in the second.

Designed as a diver watch, the Space-Compax features a black rotating bezel and rubber-capped chronograph pushers. The masculine look is further enhanced by the large size case, the black dial with geometric luminous indexes, bold hands and red details.

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