UNIVERSAL GENÈVE, SPACE-COMPAX, REF. 885104/02Important information about this lot
Price Realised USD 17,500
Estimate
USD 12,000 - USD 18,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
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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You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing and clean in appearance, the functions appear fully operational, however a service may be beneficial in the future.The original dial is in very good overall condition. The luminous accents are well preserved, slightly worn at 1, 2, 3 and 4 o’clock, reacting to U.V light exposure but not glowing for a prolonged period of time. The original hands with slight surface wear and with same color of luminous as on the dial. The case is in very good condition with surface wear in places, with very small surfaces on the end of the lugs at 4 and 7 o'clock, probably caused by improper processing. Very slight dent below the bent at 9 o'clock. Case back with original blue sticker, small scratches on the outer ring, probably from improper opening of the watch. Bracelet in excellent overall condition, with very slight surface wear in places. In generally excellent overall condition.
1.All lots are sold "AS IS", and this condition report is provided purely as a goodwill service and may not specify all mechanical replacements or defects. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in good condition and without defects, repairs or restoration. You are accordingly encouraged to view the lots personally or through your own professional advisor. 2.For further information on these issues, please refer to the IMPORTANT NOTICES and CONDITIONS OF SALE in our catalogue.