1960s Universal Genève Aero-Compax 'Type B' Ref. 22704/3

Why This Watch Matters

This Universal Genève chronograph is all about the details, with its combination of a crosshair dial with three sub-dials, beautiful blued hands, and applied Arabic numerals.

The Full Story

Universal Genève's most iconic and well-known models likely come from the Compax series of chronographs. Universal Genève introduced this line in 1935, and it is regarded as one of the earliest chronographs to include both hour and minute registers. The Compax watches were offered in a variety of configurations and case metals. Universal Genève created a number of different "Compax" variations, such as the Uni-Compax, Tri-Compax, and Aero-Compax. The first Aero-Compax was released in 1941, and the company would produce a number of different takes on the model over the following years.  

The "Type B" variation of the Aero-Compax was released in the early 1960s and featured a number of noteworthy details and characteristics. These chronographs were targeted toward pilots, with their highly legible dials with large hands and bold Arabic numerals. The watch is cased in a generously sized 38mm stainless steel case that is a little more than 11mm thick, so it offers a good wrist presence for today without being too big. The case is of the screw-back variety for increased protection against moisture and dust. 

Inside is the hand-wound Universal Genève caliber 130, which is basically a Universal Genève-finished Valjoux 72. The watch has a lovely two-tone dial where the outer edge is a bit darker than the center, adding nice contrast to the watch as a whole. Universal Genève had functionality in mind when designing this chronograph. From the red crosshair splitting the dial into four quadrants to the large Arabic numerals and blued-steel hands – everything was intended for ease of use and enhanced legibility. The registers are sunken which adds nice depth to the dial. The Universal Genève logo is applied on the dial which is always a nice touch, matching the applied Arabic numerals.  

This example is in overall great, attractive condition. The case is strong and most likely unpolished, since the edges are still crisp and the caseback number engravings are clearly visible. The case and reference numbers engraved on the backs of Universal Genève cases were typically light to begin with, so once the caseback is polished, these numbers are usually lost. This watch has even retained its original Universal Genève signed crystal; you can see the Universal Genève logo etched on the center of the crystal when you look at it closely.

This watch has an overall beautiful aesthetic. It would have been considered to be on the larger size in the 1960s, but the fit is now perfect for contemporary wear. We decided to pair this Universal Genève with our Sedona Strap in Green because the neutral green color is a seamless complement to the cream-colored dial.

The Fine Print

Maker: Universal Genève 
Model: Aero-Compax
Reference: 22704/3
Year: Circa 1964
Case No: 2358207
Material: Stainless steel 
Dimensions: 38mm diameter; 11.5mm thickness 
Crystal: Plexiglass 
Lume: Yes, tritium 
Caliber: Manually wound Universal Genève caliber 130 (Universal Genève-finished Valjoux 72) 
Bracelet/Strap:   
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers: No

What we Love and What You Should Know

This Universal Genève Aero-Compax is in overall great, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches and the caseback numbers and reference numbers are still visible. The case is likely unpolished. The caseback has a few deeper scratches, most likely from the caseback being opened. The dial is in good condition with light patina throughout. Some of the numerals on the dial have developed some darker patina in their counter forms. The hands have some light scratches. The lume on the hands appear to have been reapplied during a service a long time ago. The lume on the dial has developed patina and has aged to a nice creamy color. The dial, movement, case, crystal, and crown are all signed by Universal Genève.