Universal Geneve Compax Chronograph (22278) – Chrono Swiss Watch

Pre-Owned Universal Geneve 33mm Compax Chronograph, Silver Dial, Stainless Steel Bracelet, Ref 22278 This beautifully aged chronograph from Universal Genève has a silver dial aged to a cream color and dark manila colored lume, which nicely compliments its metallic blue hands. All lume on the hands and dial are intact. There is some aging on the dial near the sub-register edges, which is visible under magnification but does not detract from the otherwise attractive dial.  The size is typical for a watch of this era but 33mm will likely seem small for a modern watch, although with its large crown and high domed crystal, it still presents well on the wrist. The stainless steel case shows wear marks as expected in a vintage watch but it is free of large nicks or gouges.  The watch is attached to a vintage stainless steel bracelet, which is marked Zell Brothers, a Portland Oregon super jeweler who established a multi floor city block store that was an official retailer of all of the highest level brands. Zell Brothers also had many watches and bracelets private labeled with their name. The bracelet is marked “Zell Brothers” and “G. F.” with their goats head logo for Gay Freres the manufacturer, also marked steelinox and Swiss made with a date stamp of 3/62.  Overall, it is an attractive watch from a highly regarded manufacturer.