Universal Geneve 12540 Aero Compax 18k 1940s

Universal Genève Aero-Compax Ref. 12540 – Aviation Chronograph Heritage

Introduced in the 1940s, the Universal Genève Aero-Compax was designed as a professional tool for pilots and navigators. As part of the legendary Compax family, it combined chronograph functionality with additional calendar indications, allowing aviators to track time, date, and mission intervals with clarity and precision.

This Ref. 12540 is housed in a beautifully proportioned 37 mm yellow gold case, a generous size for its era. The watch features an original copper-colored dial, whose warm tone perfectly complements the gold case and highlights the balanced multi-register layout.

Preserved in original condition, this Aero-Compax represents the golden age of mid-century chronograph design—a rare and elegant example of Universal Genève’s pioneering role in aviation timekeeping.

- wrist size in our picture is 18cm circumference -

 

DIAL:

• original never touched copper colored dial in good condition
  
• original hands and crown
• some even developed patina throughout the dial

STRAP & BUCKLE:

• brown KARDINAL Alligator Embossed Leather Watch Strap fitting up to 20 cm wrist size / 3.7 mm thick
• original gold plated UG buckle
  

CASE:

• excellent overall condition, showing minor traces of use
• 3- body 18K yellow gold case with snap-on case back
• 37 mm (without crown) / 44 mm (lug-to-lug) / 18 mm (between lugs) / 11.5 mm thick
  
• Year: 1940s
• Reference: 12540
• total weight: 51 g

MOVEMENT:

• Universal Geneve Cal. 287
• 17 jewels, 18000 A/h, 44 hours power reserve
• professionally serviced in 02/2026
• +15 sec/d / 330°

BOX & PAPERS:

• GOLDAMMER certificate of authenticity & service documentation card
• GOLDAMMER Box

GOLDAMMER REFERENCE: #1245