Universal Genève built their reputation in chronographs, but have arguably never made a chronograph more attractive or well-proportioned than the ref. 885103/02. Better known as the Nina Rindt, the 885103/02 is a famed panda dial Compax which took on the Rolex Daytona, Omega Speedmaster, and Heuer Carrera in 1964. At 36mm, it wears with an elegance few watches can rival today. Moreover, its dial is minimal and legible with some thoughtful touches. The Nina Rindt has become a cult classic chronograph in the last two decades for these and many other reasons. We think of it like a 6241 with a bit more personality.
Nina Rindt is an international supermodel and widow to the late Formula 1 World Champion Jochen Rindt. Jochen was tragically killed in an accident at Monza, setting a record time on Parabolica in 1970. The Universal Genève was a gift from Jochen Rindt to Nina which she was pictured wearing constantly, as she was always with Jochen at his racing. The watch was always on her wrist at his races, but even moreso after his passing. It is one of the most tragic stories in watches, yet emblematic of the immense significance these objects can hold. She still owns that watch to this day.
Nina Rindt production spanned four dials and two marks. This classic panda dial 'Nina Rindt', ‘Evil Nina’ with a reverse panda and red chronograph hand, the two exotic variants coined ‘Exotic Nina’ and ‘Blue Exotic Nina’ that are likewise inverse of each other. The Nina had a short run, from just 1964-1967. Those with serial numbers below 2.45m have an applied U at 12 and the second series have a printed U, with two different main handsets and three types of subdial hands. The bezel is metal with a printed metal insert, not the plastic you’d see on a Daytona bezel. Further, the chronograph hand is lumed because Universal Genève considered details like few competitors. This is a mark 1 with a lightly grained dial which has reached an eggshell tone. It bears an applied U with a steel handset and blued steel chronograph hand. All examples are powered by the legendary Valjoux 72.
The Nina Rindt is widely desired today for the intentionality and care of its design, proportions, and beauty. The Nina, in any variation, is inarguably one of the great 1960s chronographs. It seems unthinkable that, in the coming years, there may be a new Nina Rindt now that Universal Genève has been bought by Breitling. Whatever is to come, the true Nina Rindt will not be bested. This is the authentic article, with all its glamorous motorsport and supermodel ties in one lovely Valjoux 72 chronograph. It is the vintage chronograph lover's chronograph.
