Universal Genève Uni-Compax Chronograph 18k Yellow Gold with Original Box and Tag from 1945

A stunning example of Universal Genève’s mid-century chronograph mastery, this Uni-Compax Ref. 12445 stands out for its rare, no-lume champagne dial with mirror-finished Arabic numerals and thoughtful design features born from a different era. Cased in solid 18k yellow gold, this 35 mm chronograph has the understated elegance and technical refinement that defines Universal Genève’s golden years.

The dial features two registers—a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock and a 45-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock. Of note are the highlighted lines at 3, 6, and 9 minutes, which served a practical purpose: to assist in timing telephone calls by the minute when phone charges were billed in 3-minute intervals.

Powered by the in-house Universal Genève Caliber 285, the watch retains its original signed buckle, hang tag, and comes with both the original inner and outer boxes—a highly uncommon completeness for a piece of this age. The absence of lume across the dial suggests an emphasis on dressy elegance, rather than military or utilitarian use, further underlining its place in the golden era of civilian chronographs.

Highlights

• Complete with original box, outer box, hang tag, and signed buckle

• No-lume champagne dial with rare phone-timing chronograph subdial

• Cased in 18k yellow gold, with Arabic numerals in mirror finish

Specifications

Brand: Universal Genève
Model: Uni-Compax
Reference: 12445
Case Material: 18k yellow gold
Dial: Champagne with mirror-polished Arabic numerals, two registers
Markers: Applied Arabic numerals
Movement: Universal Genève Caliber 285, manual wind
Case Width: 35 mm
Year: Circa 1940s

A complete, beautifully preserved piece of horological history, this Uni-Compax bridges everyday elegance with the charm of old-world function.