Pre-Owned Universal Geneve Universal Geneve Compax 'Nina Rindt' 40991357/AS08598

Universal Genève is a very special brand, and one that most of us here at Analog:Shift and vintage enthusiasts alike feel very strongly about.

While probably best known for the Polerouter, the line of chronographs known as the 'Compax' is a close second - and for us, the ranks as one of the most desired models of vintage chronographs, full stop.

Ever since its debut in the 1940s, it has seen numerous iterations ranging from more complicated and elegant dress pieces - to proper sporty racing chronographs with a more substantial case.

This particular Compax, a Reference 885103/02, is the latter of the two. It not only features a desirable 'panda dial' — a nickname given to chronographs that feature a white dial with black subsidiary registers — but also has some cool motorsport lore behind backing it.

This model was catapulted into the collector's periphery after being worn by the famous model Nina Rindt, nee' Nina Lincoln, who was married to the legendary Formula One driver Joachim Rindt. Although Joachim died in a crash during a practice run for the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Italy in 1970, he went on to win the Formula One World Driver's Championship posthumously, which had never happened before, and hasn't since! Nina has been seen and photographed numerous times wearing this Reference, giving it its name, the 'Nina Rindt.'

This particular example dates 1966 and features a 36mm twisted-lug case with a signed crown, an acrylic crystal, barrel pushers, and an externally mounted bezel with a black tachymeter insert. Within the case you'll find the white 'panda' dial with black subsidiary registers, black painted indices, a matching handset, and Universal Genève's hand-cranking Calibre 85 movement (based off the venerable Valjoux 72).

Fitted to a blue Ralstra International® perforated leather rallye strap with a drilled pin buckle, this piece also bears an always cool engraving on the caseback and its boxes and paperwork.

The culmination of design details like that gorgeous 'panda' dial with the applied 'U' logo at 12:00, the lovely twisted-lug case, and that external tachy bezel, leave us with a truly excellent package that represents phenomenal value next to its better know competitors in its day such as the Rolex Daytona and Heuer Carrera.

When you strap it on your wrist you’ll quickly see why collectors are always on the hunt for exceptional Compaxes such as this one.

We are massive fans and are delighted to offer this one here.