885104/01 Universal Genève Space-Compax

The Space-Compax is a paradoxically space-age and art deco, a quirky, highly unusual, and eccentric design. However, it’s the mystery that usually most draws enthusiasts in. The real question is: why was this watch made, designed, and marketed the way it was? Many suggest the name was chosen in a bid to unseat or succeed Omega as NASA’s instrument of choice. However, in period, UG catalogues referred to it as the ‘underwater version of the Compax with armored pushers and hermetic crown.’ Some have also suggested the rugged construction was aimed at the military, though this appears unsubstantiated. This, it seems, is one of the mysteries of 1960s watchmaking yet to be resolved.

The photography for the first these images of this Find are courtesy of a prior Phillips, then Hodinkee example, respectively. The final two images are of the watch on offer today. All are in comparable condition.

Regardless, the model which results is equal parts bizarre and beautiful. The Space-Compax design has a few oddities. One, this is a chronograph with a dive bezel lifted straight from the Polerouter Sub in layout except it’s a count-up rather than count-down. The asymmetric case is clearly of that gene pool as well. Then there are the pushers, rubber-capped is defined by its pushers, which are rubber-capped in order to increase water resistance or aid in harsh environments like space. The dial is reverse panda with the most art deco 12 possible, otherwise indices. The cardinal indices are almost rotated 90 degrees, in a bizarre layout that gives the Space-Compax a character all its own. It’s a kind of alternative-universe Moonwatch that obeys no classic laws of design.

The /01 in the ref. 885104/01 means this is a Mark 1 dial, which is rarer. The Mark 2 did away with the funky 12 and make the rectangular block indices luminous. In either dial, though, the Space-Compax remains a hidden gem. Values haven’t moved that much from the 2010s, usually centered around 17-20K USD these days for great ones. They are unlikely to find the future values Daytonas or Speedmasters do, simply because they were never used by NASA or in historically significant ways that we know of. Nonetheless, they are simply an overflowing bucket of fun. It you’re someone who treads off the beaten path, not afraid of a little boldness, and loves Valjoux 72, there may be no better non-Moonwatch.

This example has a fantastic case with strong edges. The caseback numbers are still present. Its edges are quite sharp. The dial's tritium is more orange than tan, which is interesting. It comes on a UG Gay Frères with a UG signed crystal, from a well-regarded Spanish retailer.