UNIVERSAL GENEVE Tri-Compax 881101 / 01 "Eric Clapton" (c.1965)

Manufacturer - Universal Geneve

Year - c. 1965

Reference - 881101 / 01

Calibre -  281 Manual Wind

Case No. - 2335260 

Material - Stainless Steel, 36 mm not including crown

Case, movement, and dial signed

Lug Width - 19 mm 

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This is something of a grail watch here at Mann About Time - the Universal Geneve 881101 / 01 or "Eric Clapton" as it has become affectionately known (the blues master was seen numerous times in the Sixties with this very model on his wrist) was made in extraordinarily low numbers (some say below 1000 for this white dial + blue hand configuration) between 1963 and 1967.

The 36 mm case wears perfectly on the wrist, and manages to combine the best of complicated Moonphase dress-style, with the Chrono-Sport aesthetic that was so pervasive at the time of production. Put simply, this watch is rare, complicated, and achingly cool.

White dial with black registers, and three complications (“Tri”): chronograph, moonphase and calendar (date, and apertures for day of the week and month), Blue Chronograph hand.

The present example is exceptionally original - the dial has a little surface dirt, and the lume plots have darkened over time, but otherwise it is excellent and in very good condition.

The case shows surface wear as is typical; the bezel is worn, but original. The case does not appear to have been polished (the reference and serial numbers remain visible on the caseback, as stated above)

The watch has been inspected by our trusted watchmaker, and is currently keeping excellent time ( - 2/s per day). All Chrono and Moonphase functions start stop and reset as they should.

It comes on a brand new Horse leather strap handmade in Belgium, brand new replacement crystal (original monogrammed crystal present also and will be supplied).

This is a true collectors watch - don't miss out on the opportunity to be one of very few able to call an original and unmolested U.G Eric Clapton their own.