UNIVERSAL GENEVE TRI-COMPAX

Maker: Universal Genève
Model: Tri-Compax “Evil Clapton” – Türler Signed
Reference: 881101/02
Year: Circa 1960s
Case: Stainless steel with twisted lugs and screw-down caseback
Case Diameter: 36 mm
Dial: Black reverse-panda dial with silver-white registers and Türler retailer signature
Bezel: Black tachymeter bezel
Crystal: Plexiglass-style crystal
Movement: Manual-winding Universal Genève Calibre 281, 17 jewels
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour counters, triple calendar and moonphase
Strap: Black leather bund-style strap
Water Resistance: Vintage watch – water resistance is not guaranteed
Box & Papers: None
Condition: Attractive vintage condition with visible signs of wear

There are vintage chronographs, and then there is the Universal Genève Tri-Compax.

Introduced in 1944, the Tri-Compax was one of the most technically ambitious wristwatches of its time. Combining a chronograph, complete calendar and moonphase within a remarkably compact case, it represented the kind of complicated watchmaking that established Universal Genève as one of the great chronograph manufacturers of the 20th century.

By the 1960s, the Tri-Compax had evolved into something altogether sportier.

The Ref. 881101/02 brought together a stainless steel case with distinctive twisted lugs, a black tachymeter bezel and a striking reverse-panda dial. The result was a complicated chronograph with the unmistakable character of a 1960s sports watch.

Its nickname, the “Evil Clapton,” comes from the celebrated musician Eric Clapton, who was photographed wearing the closely related white-dial version during his years with Cream. Collectors subsequently adopted the name “Evil Clapton” for the darker, black-dial configuration.

This particular example is especially interesting thanks to its Türler signature, positioned within the chronograph hour counter at 6 o'clock.

Türler, the historic Swiss watch retailer established in 1883, is closely associated with some of the most prestigious names in Swiss watchmaking. Retailer-signed dials from this period offer an additional connection to the history of watch distribution and collecting.

Beneath the dial, the Ref. 881101/02 is powered by the manually wound Universal Genève Calibre 281, a sophisticated column-wheel chronograph movement incorporating the triple calendar and moonphase complications.

Despite its technical complexity, the watch measures just 36 mm in diameter. Its twisted lugs, black tachymeter bezel and contrasting registers give it a remarkable presence on the wrist.

Combined with the unusual Türler signature and black leather bund strap, this example captures the spirit of 1960s watchmaking, motorsport and rock music in one exceptionally distinctive chronograph.

The Goodwood Weekend

A worn-in brown leather racing jacket, an off-white knitted polo, straight-leg denim and suede driving shoes.

The black tachymeter bezel, contrasting registers and leather bund strap feel perfectly suited to the world of vintage motorsport.

Think Goodwood Revival, an early morning drive and a classic Porsche parked somewhere nearby.

Few watches look quite as natural in this setting.

The Parisian Collector

A navy cashmere sweater, relaxed charcoal trousers and a pair of well-worn black loafers.

The Tri-Compax brings a surprising amount of character to an otherwise understated outfit.

Its 36 mm case keeps things discreet, while the reverse-panda dial and calendar indications reward a closer look.

The kind of watch that starts a conversation only with someone who knows what they're looking at.

The Rock & Roll Uniform

Washed black jeans, a white T-shirt, a vintage suede jacket and Chelsea boots.

There is something particularly fitting about wearing an Evil Clapton with clothes that would not have looked out of place in the late 1960s.

The black dial, red chronograph hand and oversized leather strap add just enough attitude.

A complicated Swiss chronograph with the soul of a rock-and-roll watch.

This Universal Genève Tri-Compax “Evil Clapton” is presented in attractive vintage condition, displaying signs of wear consistent with its age.

The stainless steel case retains its distinctive twisted-lug architecture, with visible surface scratches and a polished appearance. The caseback displays light scratches and signs of handling. Its exact polishing history has not been established.

The black reverse-panda dial remains visually attractive, with contrasting silver-white chronograph registers, applied luminous plots and the characteristic moonphase display at 12 o'clock.

Particularly noteworthy is the Türler retailer signature within the chronograph hour counter at 6 o'clock.

The central chronograph hand retains its distinctive red finish, providing an attractive contrast against the black dial. The hands and luminous markers appear visually consistent with period examples.

The black tachymeter bezel displays light wear, while the crown and chronograph pushers show signs of previous use.

The watch is fitted with a black leather bund-style strap with contrasting stitching, complementing its vintage sporting character.

Overall, this is a visually compelling example of one of Universal Genève's most celebrated vintage chronographs, distinguished by its reverse-panda dial and unusual Türler retailer signature.