VIDEO: Universal Geneve Compax “Evil Nina”

One Minute Watch with John Carter
Pre-Owned Universal Geneve Compax “Evil Nina”
Founded in 1894, Universal Geneve became well-known for their high-quality chronographs and were distributed by the Henri Stern Watch Agency in New York as a “sister” brand of Patek Philippe. One of the best-known watches from Universal Geneve is the Compax.
This vintage Compax has a sporty look with a style similar to the Rolex Daytona of the era and is powered by the same Valjoux 72 movement. Known as the “Evil Nina,” this Compax Ref. 885103/01 is nicknamed after the wife of the F1 driver Jochen Rindt.
Dating to 1966, this example is in great vintage condition with light wear on the case and bezel. The Valjoux 72 was just serviced by us and is running well and operating as it should. A very sharp and attractive vintage chronograph!
A real rarity, this Universal Geneve Compax chronograph is a seldom seen variant known to collectors as the “Evil Nina”. The watch was nicknamed after Nina Rindt, the wife of Formula One driver Jochen Rindt. Nina was known for wearing a white-dial Compax, so naturally the inverse Panda version became known as the “Evil Nina.”
Universal Geneve became well-known for their high-quality chronographs with unique and desirable designs. They were distributed by the Henri Stern Watch Agency as a “sister” brand of Patek Philippe.
Dating to 1966, this vintage Compax has a sporty style similar to the Rolex Daytona– and it’s even powered by the same Valjoux 72 movement! A bold red central seconds hand adds a nice pop of color against the black dial and the white engine-turned chronograph counters. The black bezel has a familiar look that is reminiscent of the Speedmaster’s “dot over 90” bezel from the same era.