Universal Genève Ref. 42408

Gold UNI-COMPAX Chronograph

Circa 1940s

This stunning Universal Genève Uni-Compax is one of the most remarkable timepieces ever donated to the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation. A masterpiece of mid-century Swiss design, it reflects the brand’s legendary craftsmanship and innovation during the golden age of chronographs.

Housed in an elegant 18k yellow gold case measuring 35mm in diameter, the watch features a beautifully balanced silvered dial with applied gold Arabic numerals, guilloché subsidiary registers, an outer tachymeter scale, and refined yellow-gold Alpha hands. Inside, the signed Caliber 285 movement showcases Universal Genève’s engineering excellence, with a frosted gilt finish, straight-line lever escapement, and self-compensating Breguet balance spring.

Founded in 1894 and reestablished in Geneva by 1919, Universal Genève became a pioneer in chronograph innovation. The Uni-Compax series, introduced in the 1930s, helped define an era of timeless style and technical brilliance.

We are deeply grateful to Michela Trümpi for this extraordinary gift and look forward to it someday finding a new home.