The Universal Geneve Tri-Compax is a legendary vintage chronograph from a watchmaker that once saw giants like Rolex and Omega as equals. The watch was part of a collection called the 'Aero Compax' (short for 'Aviator's Compact Chronograph'), which branched out into various complications.

The name 'Tri-Compax' refers to the watch's three complications or additional functions beyond telling time: a chronograph with a 30-minute counter, a full calendar display with day, date, and month indications, and a moonphase display. Despite the number of complications, it sits at a very classic 36mm in size. Combined with the black tachymetre and wire lugs, it's the epitome of a mid-century sports chronograph.

The watch's nickname came from the fact that Eric Clapton was often seen wearing one while part of Cream. Combined with its unusual aesthetics, this Tri-Compax is a very special watch indeed.

UNIVERSAL GENEVE

Universal Geneve was a watchmaker that counted the likes of Rolex and Omega amongst equals. In its heydey, it produced everything from dress watches to calendar complications. It was one of the earliest adopters of the micro-rotor automatic movement, allowing for very thin watches.

The brand, founded as 'Universal Watches' in 1894, was recognised for creating practical watches like the Compax series of chronographs. It also gave us the Polerouter - one of Gerald Genta's earliest designs, before he went on to create Patek Philippe's Nautilus and Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak.