A Universal Genève Compax, reference 12426, dates to the late 1950s to early 1960s—a golden era

This Universal Genève Compax, reference 12426, dates to the late 1950s to early 1960s—a golden era for Swiss chronograph design. It features refined stepped lugs and a thin bezel that complement the balanced tricompax dial layout. The chronograph registers—typically for continuous seconds, 30-minute, and 12-hour totalizers. The case, marked with the classic 12426 reference, reflects the restrained yet purposeful aesthetic for which mid-century Universal Genève was renowned.

At the heart of this chronograph is the revered in-house Calibre 285, a column-wheel movement from Universal’s 280 family, known for its reliability and finely tuned construction. Developed during a time when Universal Genève was competing directly with the likes of Longines, Omega, and even early Rolex chronographs, the 285 helped define the brand’s technical prowess. The serial number 301236 places production around the cusp of the 1960s, just before the transition to more modernist designs. Today, the Compax models—especially those powered by the 285—are sought after for their understated elegance, mechanical pedigree, and historical importance in the evolution of wrist chronographs.