Universal Genève Tri-Compax Repair, Service & Restoration
Introduction to Our Universal Genève Tri-Compax Repair
The Universal Genève Tri-Compax is one of the most celebrated vintage chronographs ever produced—and also one of the most mechanically intricate. Servicing a watch of this complexity requires careful attention, specialized tools, and deep experience with vintage chronograph mechanisms. At TimePieceShoppe, we specialize in the repair and restoration of high-grade vintage watches, including complicated chronographs such as the Tri-Compax. If you would like to initiate the repair of your vintage timepiece, be sure to visit getting started. For additional information on watches we work on please visit these pages: Vintage Rolex repair, Vintage Breitling repair, Vintage Omega repair, and Vintage Heuer repair.
Service & Repair of the Universal Genève Tri-Compax
This Universal Genève Tri-Compax underwent a complete mechanical service, including full disassembly of the movement, cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and careful adjustment of the chronograph and calendar mechanisms. The sweep seconds hand had previously been glued onto its pipe by another repairer, which made proper installation and alignment impossible. To restore the function correctly, a new brass tube was fabricated and fitted to the hand, returning it to proper operating condition. The calendar mechanism and moonphase were also inspected; however, the quick-set lever for the moonphase had previously broken at the case-button interface. Unfortunately, this part is no longer available, though the complication functions normally through standard setting procedures.
Each component of the chronograph—column wheel, levers, jumpers, intermediate wheels—was cleaned, and adjusted to ensure crisp engagement and reliable reset-to-zero action. The moonphase, date, and triple-calendar mechanisms were also serviced, which is essential to the long-term reliability of this watch. After servicing, the movement performed strongly across all positions, and the chronograph functions operated smoothly and securely. Please visit Universal Genève Polerouter and Universal Geneve Shadow Automatic Wrist Watch Service & Repair.
A Brief History of the Universal Genève Tri-Compax
Introduced in 1944, the Universal Genève Tri-Compax quickly became one of the most iconic complicated wristwatches ever made. Its name refers to its three major complications—chronograph, triple calendar, and moonphase—arranged in a harmonious dial layout that has become a benchmark in watch design. Universal Genève was a pioneer in chronograph innovation, and the Tri-Compax represented the height of the brand’s technical achievement during the mid-20th century.
Powered by movements such as the Caliber 281 family, these watches were admired for their reliability and their unusually elegant integration of complications in a compact case size. The Tri-Compax was worn by notable figures throughout the 1940s–1960s and remains highly collectible, especially early references, military-issue models, and those with exotic dials. Today, the Tri-Compax is considered one of the finest vintage chronographs ever produced—a combination of beauty, engineering sophistication, and historical significance. Visit this page for more information.
Direct Communication & Personalized Service
I believe in keeping open, direct communication with every customer. Email works well, but nothing replaces a personal phone conversation when discussing the details of your vintage watch. If you ever have questions about your repair, I encourage you to call. During the restoration of your watch, I also document the process with clear photographs so you can see exactly what was done and follow the progress from start to finish.
Considering Repair for Your Universal Genève?
If you own a Tri-Compax or any other Universal Genève chronograph and would like to discuss service or restoration, feel free to contact me directly. You can also visit the Getting Started page for step-by-step instructions on beginning the repair process.