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 more substantial cases.

This particular Compax, a Reference 22704-1, exists somewhere in the middle. There’s an undoubted elegance to the layout of the dial, but the fact that the case is steel makes it more utilitarian than an example cased in precious metal.

Dating to 1962, it features a 38mm case with a polished bezel, a signed crown, a beautiful, sunburst silver dial with applied indices, 'radial' sub-registers, an outer blue tachymeter scale, a matching 'dauphine' handset, and UG's Calibre 130 hand-cranking chronograph movement within.

The culmination of design details like the dynamic dial with the applied 'U' logo at 12 o'clock, the gorgeous faceted case, and the elegant dauphine handset leave us with a truly excellent package that represents phenomenal value next to its better known competitors.

When you strap it on your wrist you’ll quickly see why collectors are always on the hunt for exceptional Compaxes such as this!