{"product_id":"universal-geneve-space-compax-mk-ii-ref-885104-02","title":"Universal Genève Space-Compax MK II Ref. 885104\/02, Circa 1966","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA rare and highly idiosyncratic stainless steel chronograph, distinguished by its all-black MK II dial, rotating bezel, and signature rubber-capped pushers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eSpace-Compax MK II\u003c\/strong\u003e occupies a singular place within the chronograph output of \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/universalgeneve.info\/content\/6-history\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUniversal Genève\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e. Produced in limited numbers and far less frequently encountered than the better-known Compax references, the \u003cstrong\u003ereference 885104\/02\u003c\/strong\u003e stands apart for a design language that remains strikingly modern: an asymmetric stainless steel case, black rotating bezel, vivid red chronograph accents, and the rare rubber-capped pushers that have become one of the model’s most recognizable signatures. Phillips described the reference as one of Universal’s “most unusual yet attractive chronograph designs,” and noted that it was made in limited numbers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eIts appeal lies not only in rarity, but in character. The all-black dial configuration associated by Phillips with the \u003cstrong\u003eMK II\u003c\/strong\u003e generation gives the watch a more severe, technical presence than the earlier contrasting-subdial versions, while the broad hands, luminous hour markers, and oversized case lend it a purposeful, almost instrument-like identity. Although some period theories have linked the Space-Compax to the era’s fascination with space travel or as a possible answer to the Speedmaster, these remain collector interpretations rather than firmly documented factory intent. The most secure historical reading is that the model belongs to Universal Genève’s adventurous late-1960s sports chronograph output and was conceived with a diving-oriented design vocabulary, including a rotating bezel and protected pushers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eAt its heart is the manual-winding \u003cstrong\u003ecalibre 85\u003c\/strong\u003e, Universal Genève’s designation for the \u003cstrong\u003eValjoux 72\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the great chronograph movements of the period. The wider historical context is important here: Universal Genève’s own published history notes that, following changes around \u003cstrong\u003e1963\u003c\/strong\u003e, the brand introduced its line of Valjoux-equipped Compax models using the \u003cstrong\u003eUG cal. 85\u003c\/strong\u003e. In the Space-Compax, that movement reinforces the model’s standing not merely as an aesthetic curiosity, but as a serious mid-century sporting chronograph with real technical legitimacy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eFor collectors, the reference has another layer of significance: originality matters enormously. Hodinkee has described the Space-Compax market as “a bit of a minefield,” noting that assembled examples and fake dials have circulated for years. Monochrome similarly points out that original bezels, crowns, and especially rubber pusher components are often compromised or replaced. That is precisely why strong, honest examples of the \u003cstrong\u003e885104\/02\u003c\/strong\u003e are so appreciated today — they preserve the difficult, fragile features that define the model’s identity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003ePresented on a leather strap, this \u003cstrong\u003ecirca 1966\u003c\/strong\u003e example offers a highly compelling expression of late-1960s tool-watch design: uncommon, technically grounded, and unmistakably individual within the wider field of vintage chronographs. For the collector drawn to originality, asymmetrical sports cases, and the more idiosyncratic side of \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/universalgeneve.info\/content\/6-history\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUniversal Genève\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, the \u003cstrong\u003eSpace-Compax MK II\u003c\/strong\u003e remains one of the brand’s most charismatic references.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Universal Genève\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Space-Compax MK II\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 885104\/02\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1966\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless steel\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase diameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e 37.5 mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2’509’XXX\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCasebacks:\u003c\/strong\u003e Screw back\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black MK II dial with red chronograph hand\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBezel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black rotating bezel\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manual-winding Universal Genève calibre 85\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMovement number:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not disclosed\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJewels:\u003c\/strong\u003e 17\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunctions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, rotating bezel\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePushers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rubber-capped chronograph pushers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrap:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leather strap\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivered with:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watch only, as presently stated unless otherwise specified.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HORAMUNDI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54421693202724,"sku":null,"price":18000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0872\/8222\/1348\/files\/UniversalGeneveSpace-CompaxMKIIRef.885104_02fontview.heic?v=1781344197","url":"https:\/\/horamundi.com\/fr\/products\/universal-geneve-space-compax-mk-ii-ref-885104-02","provider":"HORAMUNDI","version":"1.0","type":"link"}