The 1967 Universal Genève Space-Compax Ref. 885104/02: A Timeless Tribute to Space Age Innovation

Gennaio 31, 2025

The 1967 Universal Genève Space-Compax Ref. 885104/02 stands as a testament to the mid-20th century’s fascination with modernity and space exploration. This rare chronograph, produced between 1966 and 1968, is a standout piece from the Compax series, celebrated for its innovative design and functional durability.

Pioneering Asymmetric Design

The Space-Compax’s design was ahead of its time, drawing inspiration from the asymmetric case of the second-generation Polerouter Sub, which was released in the same era. This unique case design not only enhanced the watch’s aesthetic appeal but also improved its ruggedness by providing the chrono pushers with protection, making it a more reliable tool watch.

A similar design principle was followed by Omega in designining the Speedmaster`s Moonwatch asymmetric case.

The case measures 40mm in diameter (excluding the original screw-down crown), the lugs are rounded and well-proportioned, seamlessly integrating with the overall design. One of the standout features of the Space-Compax are its rubber-capped pushers, designed to prevent moisture and dust infiltration while ensuring ease of use.

The Iconic Caliber 85

This has proven to be a weak solution as the rubber over the years tends to break or vulcanise, thus making the chronograph pushers difficult to use and losing all water-resistance. This is also the reason why some Space-Compaxes have had the pushers replaced with “normal” round pushers.

The rotating black bezel is of a simple one piece construction, it has a spring wire keeping it in place and anchoring it to the case, and it is two-directional. It has a recessed round marker at the zero position, and being alluminum, if used regularly over many years, it has the tendency to wear off at the edges. At the heart of the Space-Compax is the Universal Genève Caliber 85, a movement based on the legendary Valjoux 72. Introduced in 1938, the Valjoux 72 is a hand-wound chronograph movement renowned for its reliability and precision. It was widely used by prestigious watchmakers during the mid-20th century, cementing its place in horological history.

The original black dial is of the second-generation “all-black” military-style design, with luminous geometric hour markers. The hands are very distinctive of this model, and are very similar to the ones mounted on the Nina Rindt Compax, which is also powered by the same caliber.

A Timeless Tribute to Exploration

The original plexiglass crystal has the Universal Geneve logo in the center and it is domed and triple thickness “nautic” type

For collectors and enthusiasts, the Universal Genève Space-Compax Ref. 885104/02 is more than just a watch—it’s a piece of history. Its association with the space age, combined with Universal Genève’s renowned craftsmanship and innovative design, makes it a standout addition to any collection.

Whether admired for its historical significance or its timeless design, the Space-Compax remains a symbol of an era defined by exploration and modernity.

In a world where vintage watches continue to captivate, the Space-Compax stands out as a rare and remarkable example of mid-20th-century horological artistry.

Its enduring appeal lies not only in its functionality but also in its ability to tell a story—a story of innovation, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of progress.

With only two dial iterations ever made—a black dial with white/silvery counters and a second version with an all-black military-style dial—the Space-Compax remains a coveted piece among collectors and horology enthusiasts.