Universal Genève Aero-Compax

Why We Love It

This is not your average Aero-Compax.

What we offer here is a Reference 22704/3, or “Type B”. Dating from the 1950s or early 1960s, this Aero-Compax’s was produced shortly before the model would receive a major redesign in the mid-1960s. Without the fourth register at 12 o’clock that would define the earliest models, or the rotating bezel of the latest, the “Type B” nevertheless has a lot going for it.

Take the case for instance—at 37.5mm it’s large enough to be considered “jumbo” for the era, which happens to be the perfect size for the modern wrist. Touches like the blued steel hands with luminous pips provide an artful contrast to the lightly-patinated dial. Sure, this might have been designed as a tool watch, but it packs a helluva punch visually speaking.

The Story

Introduced in the 1940, the Aero-Compax’s claim to fame was an unusual dial layout. Unlike conventional chronographs, which possess two or three registers, early examples of Aero-Compax featured four. The upper-most register at 12 o’clock was a secondary time display, with two hands that could be set by the crown at 9 o’clock.

This complication, for which Universal Genève received two patents, functioned in much the same way as a silent alarm. For example, if a pilot had orders to rendezvous with his squadron at 8:00, then he would set the hands in the upper-most register to that time. Independent of the main time display, the hands in the upper register would remain affixed at that time, serving as a visual reminder.

The Aero-Compax underwent several redesigns throughout its life. Major changes included a major one in the 1960s that saw the addition of a rotating external bezel (which allowed the wearer to track a second timezone), conversion to a 24-hour dial layout, and the removal of that fourth register at 12 o’clock. However, the Aero-Compax that we feature here is a lesser-known reference, making it highly desirable.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.