Universal Genève Compax

Universal Genève is a very special brand, and one that most of us here at Analog:Shift and vintage enthusiasts alike feel very strongly about. While probably best known for the Polerouter, the line of chronographs known as the 'Compax' is a close second - and for us, the ranks as one of the most desired models of vintage chronographs, full stop. Ever since its debut in the 1940s, it has seen numerous iterations ranging from more complicated and elegant dress pieces - to proper sporty racing chronographs with a more substantial case. This particular Compax, a 'Compax 1950,' represents the last of the breed. These were produced in the 1990s as a last-attempt to capture the essence of of what UG always excelled at — the chronograph. They were offered in a variety of metals and different dial colors, and all came in with a 36mm twisted-lug case and housed the venerable Lemania 1863 within (essentially the Omega Cal. .861). This particular example, a Reference 284.445, features a crisp, ma