THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: UNIVERSAL GENÈVE
MODEL: 881101/2
YEAR: 1966
CASE DIAMETER: 36MM
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

The ref. 881101 came from the Tri-Compax line, which debuted in 1944 at Baselworld. It was one of the final iterations of the Tri-Compax, but easily the most recognisable thanks to a certain Eric Clapton, who famously adored the watch. The ref. 881101, features a matte white dial with four symmetrical white subdials (chronograph minute, hour, running seconds, and date/moonphase at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock respectively), day/month windows with red wheels, a tachymeter bezel, and is finished with a striking red chronograph hand. Amazingly, all of these complications fit within a 36 mm case, powered by the cal. 281 movement, and still look beautifully balanced. To me, it's one of the most beautiful wristwatches ever made.