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1944 Universal Geneve Aero-Compax Mens Vintage WWII Era Aviator's Watch - SS
$8,119
£6,162.48
€7,201.24
CA$11,315.88
A$12,756.82
CHF 6,761.51
MX$157,272.51
NOK 82,194.52
SEK 79,002.01
DKK 53,708.96
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About the Item
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating on other online sites.
1944 UNIVERSAL GENEVE AERO-COMPAX Mens Vintage WWII Era Aviator's Watch - Stainless Steel
A Very Fine & Complicated Vintage Watch - World War II Era - Fully Serviced with 1 Year Warranty
Made during the golden age of chronograph design, this beautifully restored example of Universal Genève's Aero-Compax fused mid-century aviation utility with top-tier Swiss craftsmanship.
Originally conceived in the 1940's as a tool for pilots and military officers, the Aero-Compax stands out with its fourth subdial—a unique feature that allowed wearers to track a secondary time interval or set a reminder, long before multifunction digital watches existed.
This full featured wristwatch not only possesses a full 12-hour chronograph, it also has a "memento" subdial at 12 o'clock used to remind its owner of a certain time - designed for flight planning, mission timing, or one of his important appointments. Manipulated via the second crown on the left side of the case, the hallmark subdial would remind him each time he checked the time.
To pull off this technological marvel, Universal equipped these watches with special inner gearing and even an additional stem and crown, making elements of second movement that worked seamlessly in conjunction with the normal timing and chronograph portions.
This particular piece, with its classic 36.5mm steel case and symmetrical dial layout, also features a tachymeter scale in vivid blue, gold Arabic numerals, and elegant blued steel feuille hands.
This watch was almost certainly made while World War II was still fully raging and likely was intended initially for military use. The Aero-Compax earned a revered reputation among military pilots, with versions reportedly worn by Allied officers in World War II and NATO flight personnel in the postwar years.
Universal Genève—arguably the world's leading innovator in chronograph movements at the time—stood shoulder to shoulder with the world's finest watch houses, supplying complications that were not only elegant but also mission-ready.
This model is among the rarer and most desirable configurations, with its early reference number and beautifully balanced layout.
We were fortunate to acquire it with all of its original parts.
Its full size case is in excellent condition with only very light signs of previous polishing and slight remnants of wear.
Its beautiful, complicated dial - the centerpiece of the watch - was previously pleasingly restored.
Its high-grade Universal Geneve caliber 287 movement is functioning well and running strong and true.
One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $995 value). Photos of the inside are available upon request.
It is keeping very accurate time. Because of their complexity you don't want to purchase one of these that hasn't been very competently gone through or you can have a real headache on your hands.
For the finishing touch, we've equipped it with one of our brand new calfskin leather straps making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
If you're seeking a rare chronograph with legitimate historical roots, distinctive mechanical engineering, and an aesthetic that transcends eras, the Universal Genève Aero-Compax delivers in every respect. A watch like this doesn’t simply tell time—it tells a story of military history, global aviation, mechanical ingenuity, and timeless design.
Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Detailed Appraisal:
Manufacturer: Universal Geneve
Country of origin: Switzerland
Serial no.: 1,047,687
Year built: 1943-1945
Functions: Hours, Minutes, 12-Hour Chronograph, Day, Date, Memento, Subsidiary Seconds
Model: Aero-Compax, Ref. 22403
Designed for: Men
Case material: Stainless steel
Case markings (outside): 1,047,587, 22403
Case markings (inside): Universal Geneve logo, Swiss, Fond Acier Inoxydable
Case condition: Excellent condition with only very light signs of previous polishing and slight remnants of wear.
Dimensions: 36.5mm wide (excluding crown), 44mm long lug tip-to-tip
Dial: Light silver, gold Arabic indexes, outer tachometer graduation in blue for measuring speeds without calculations, auxiliary dials for the seconds, the 12 hours and 30 minutes registers, and a reminder "aid", previously pleasingly restored
Hands: Original, luminous blue steel "feuilles"
Movement markings: Universal Geneve, Swiss, 287
Jewels: 17 rubies
Band: Calfskin leather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
Width between lugs: 18mm
Crystal: Acrylic, domed, excellent condition
Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $995 value). Photos of the inside are available upon request.
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is keeping very accurate time.
Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center and also has done authorized work for the Richemont brands including Cartier, Vacheron & Constantin, IWC, JLC and others.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
SKU 10172
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Strap Material:Leather
- Case Shape:Round
- Movement:
- Case Dimensions:Height: 1.74 in (44 mm)Width: 1.44 in (36.5 mm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1944
- Condition:Its beautiful, complicated dial - the centerpiece of the watch - was previously pleasingly restored. Its full size case is in excellent condition with only very light signs of previous polishing and slight remnants of wear.
- Seller Location:Suwanee, GA
- Reference Number:Seller: 101721stDibs: LU4333226616612
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