Timeline Watch
1928

Universal Chronograph

Richard E. Byrd starts an expedition to Antarctic; returns in 1930

1928 Universal Watch Extra Chronograph, multi scale enamel dial with tachymeter and telemeter.

Founded in 1894 Universal watches are highly disputed among collectors especially for their classic chronographs.

In 1898, the watchmakers have created a movement of chronograph Universal Watch Extra, which is equipped with a 30-minute counter. Presentation of the first wrist chronograph company was in 1917.

Shortly before the beginning of World War II Universal seized an opportunity to create two wristwatch models: the Compur (in 1933) and the Aero-Compax (in 1936).

In 1941 Universal inaugurates a new ultra-modern production site, built within less than six months to make the new Aero-Compax chronometer for pilots along with other chronometer models, three years later the Universal Tri-Compax was introduced at Basel Watch Fair for the companys 50th anniversary.

Universal also collaborated with the French fashion brand Hermes and designed a series of chronographs named Pour Hermes. Incidentally, Hermes was responsible for being the major sales hub for Universal in Europe until the 1950s. Twenty years later, the company was one of the few to introduce the quartz movement, which led to automatic watches.

The most notable changes occurred to the 60s Compax, with the use of a water-resistant-type case with screw back cases, as opposed to the early models with snap on case backs. These water-resistant cases had round pushers (early models had square-shaped pushers).