Universal Genève Compur chronograph was a rare ‘colonial’ variant from the mid-1930s built to defy the most diverse climatic conditions with a steel ‘sandwich’ case. It sold for £34,000 against a £300-500 estimate at Hannam’s in Selborne, Hampshire.
Typically the £300-500 estimate on the example that appeared at Hannam’s in Selborne, Hampshire, on March 6 would not have been too wide of the mark.
However, this house clearance lot sold to a buyer from Hong Kong at £34,000. Why?
This watch was in true ‘barn find’ condition – always a bonus in a market that now prides original parts and honest wear and tear over restored perfection.
Its real appeal, though, was its Art Deco steel ‘sandwich’ case (a rare ‘colonial’ variant from the mid-1930s built to defy the most diverse climatic conditions). The dial includes a tachymeter scale in blue while the case back is milled for removal with a screw thread.
