Universal Genève Compax Ref. 22705-1 Valjoux 72 Circa 1963

Universal Genève’s Compax line traces back to 1935. By the early 1960s, the brand had expanded the range considerably, and this reference 22705-1 remains a particularly sought-after configuration from that era, valued for both its rarity and wearability.

Produced in 1963, this example is housed in a 36mm stainless steel case with the twisted lugs characteristic of the period, a proportion as distinctive as it is rare among vintage chronographs. The sunburst silver dial, dressed with blued dauphine hands, baton indexes and a striking blue tachymeter scale, has drawn comparisons to Rolex’s pre-Daytona reference 6234, at a fraction of the price.

The dial shows some spotting, while remaining fully original, along with its original tritium and blued hands. Though the case has been polished in the past, it retains plenty of its original material, with the twisted lugs still well defined.

At its core is the manually wound calibre UG 130, based on the celebrated column-wheel Valjoux 72, the very architecture that would later power some of the most revered chronographs in watchmaking history.

A watch that combines rarity, honest value and true vintage character, the Compax 22705-1 remains one of Universal Genève’s most compelling chronographs.