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For any questions about this watch, please email us at sales@wabyno.com or use our contact form.
The Universal Genève Aero-Compax is a historically significant chronograph whose legacy stands alongside the brand’s other icons, such as Gérald Genta’s Polerouter and the Tri‑Compax.
The reference 890101/01 represents the second major iteration of the Aero-Compax introduced in the mid-1960s, distinguished by its unusual 24-hour dial rather than the conventional 12-hour layout. When used in conjunction with the bidirectional 24-hour rotating bezel, the dial allows the wearer to track a second time zone, a practical feature intended for the professional pilots the watch was designed to serve. Another defining aviation characteristic of this watch is the distinctive 15-minute chronograph sub-register, reflecting airplane use where 15 minutes corresponded to the duration of a pre-flight checklist.
Despite being produced nearly 60 years ago, the watch feels remarkably modern thanks to its period-oversized 40mm stainless steel case, which combines brushed and polished surfaces, beveled lugs, and a screw-down caseback for improved water resistance (though we still don’t recommend exposing this watch to water!) Yet its character remains unmistakably vintage, with a beautifully patinated cream dial and a bezel that has taken on a weathered “ghost” appearance.
Powering the watch is the Universal Genève caliber 90, a modified Venus caliber 178 that was also famously used in the Breitling Cosmonaute worn by astronaut Scott Carpenter. This example is fitted with an American-made JB Champion bracelet stamped with the Universal Genève logo on the clasp.
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This watch has been left unrestored since we received it. We gently cleaned the case and bracelet to remove accumulated dirt and grime, but have not polished or refinished any of the surfaces. The caseback gasket has been replaced with a new one, as the original had become brittle with age.
Overall, this watch is in fair to good vintage condition, showing clear signs of regular use including scratches, scuffs, and dents. The reference and serial numbers on the caseback are faint but remain legible. The bezel rotates bidirectionally with intact, audible clicks, though it exhibits noticeable cosmetic wear. While the crown sits slightly tilted against the case, it still winds smoothly and sets the time correctly. The crystal shows visible scratches and marks; we are able to lightly buff the crystal upon request. The upper chronograph pusher has a pronounced cosmetic dent. The bracelet remains fully intact but exhibits noticeable stretch, with some pins partially visible due to loosened links. The clasp closes with a secure click.
The movement is running properly with all functions operating as intended, though its service history is unknown. Measured on a timegrapher in a neutral position, this watch ran approximately +48 seconds per day with an amplitude above 260° and a beat error of 1.5ms. Additional photos and timegrapher results are available on request.
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This watch does not come with its original box or papers.
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Brand: Universal Genève
Model: Aero-Compax
Reference: 890101/01
Year: 1967
Serial number: 2’583’XXX
Case diameter: 40.2mm
Bezel diameter: 40.8mm
Lug-to-lug: 47.6mm
Case thickness: 13.8mm
Case material: Stainless steel
Dial color: Cream / ivory
Movement: Universal Genève caliber 90 (Venus caliber 178)
Complications: Chronograph
Water resistance: Not water resistant
Strap/bracelet: JB Champion bracelet with Universal Genève-branded folding clasp
Wrist size: ~7 3/8” or 18.8cm
Lug width: 22mm