Universal Geneve Blue Compax Ref 884.495 "Baby Nina"

The Universal Genève Blue Compax Ref. 884.495, often called a “Baby Nina”, is a distinctive mid-1990s chronograph that channels the spirit of Universal’s legendary Compax watches from the 1960s most famously those nicknamed after Nina Rindt, the style icon seen trackside with her Universal Genève chronograph in the Formula 1 paddock. While the original vintage “Nina Rindt” models are highly prized by collectors, the 884.495 and its Compax 1950 siblings represent a faithful 37 mm reinterpretation from the brand’s later era, blending classic proportions with timeless racing-chrono design cues. The Ref. 884.495 is characterized by its silver dial with deep blue sub-dials and matching tachymeter bezel, giving it a fresh yet vintage-inspired panda look that stands out on the wrist.

Mechanically, the Blue Compax 884.495 is powered by a manual-winding chronograph movement based on Universal’s historic calibre lineage—historically either the Lemania-derived Universal calibre 84 / 1873—and offers the core timing functions collectors love: central chronograph seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour counters, plus running seconds, all in a crisp, legible layout. The watch’s stainless steel case, acrylic crystal, and tachymeter scale enhance its sporty character and nod to traditional race-timer aesthetics, while its modest size and manual mechanics make it wearable and engaging for daily use. Though not as celebrated as its 1960s predecessors, the 884.495 Baby Nina holds appeal for enthusiasts seeking a vintage-flavored chronograph with a distinctive blue-accented personality and collectible pedigree.

Circa: 1990's

Serial: 4,146,XXX

Reference: 884.495

Bracelet: Jean Rousseau Blue Leather Strap Alligator

Case: 37mm - Stainless Steel

Dial: Silver Dial with Blue Sub-dials

Movement: Lemania-derived Universal calibre 84 / 1873 - Manual - Running (+6 s/d 305 amp)

Bezel: Acrylic tachymeter bezel insert

Functions: HMS, chronograph

Box and Papers: No box or papers - Watch Only

Crystal: Acrylic

Bracelet size: 7.5”

Sharp case has normal light wear mostly shown on polished lugs. Strap is new. Dial has a few spots, and hands have slight normal wear. Running (+6 s/d 305 amp).

Universal Genève is a historic Swiss watch brand with roots stretching back to 1894, when two horology students, Numa-Émile Descombes and Ulysse-Georges Perret, founded the company in Le Locle, Switzerland under the name Universal Watch. Initially focused on manufacturing cases, crowns, dials and movements, the firm quickly moved into making complete wristwatches and chronographs, relocating to Geneva in 1919 and eventually adopting the name Universal Genève. Early achievements included some of the first wrist chronographs and innovations like the Auto-Rem self-winding watch.

The brand’s golden era arrived mid-20th century, marked by iconic models and technical breakthroughs. In the 1930s and 40s, Universal Genève gained fame for its chronograph lines such as the Compur, Uni-Compax and Tri-Compax, the latter combining a chronograph with calendar and moon-phase functions. In the 1950s, a young Gérald Genta designed the Polerouter—originally the Polarouter—to celebrate polar flights; powered by Universal’s innovative micro-rotor automatic movement, it became a beloved classic. Throughout the 1950s and 60s the brand also produced ultra-thin automatics like the Golden Shadow and stylish, precision-engineered watches that fused refined design with mechanical prowess.

Like many Swiss manufacturers, Universal Genève struggled during the quartz crisis of the 1970s and 80s, with a decline in mechanical production and ownership changes—including time under Bulova and later acquisition by Hong Kong’s Stelux Holdings in 1989. After decades of reduced visibility, the brand has recently been poised for a comeback following the sale of its intellectual property to the group behind Breitling, signaling renewed interest in its heritage and potential revival in the luxury watch world.