'Compax With Airplane'

If that name doesn't ring a bell, it will soon. With the recently announced news that Breitling has purchased (and will soon revive) Universal Genève, enthusiasts around the world are excitedly gearing up for the next chapter in a long and storied history of fine horology. From the Polerouter to the Tri-Compax, UG's wares have long served as the entry point for many into the watch-collecting hobby, and it't not difficult to see why: Their beautiful dials, excellent build quality, and purposeful designs made them a household name in the mid-20th century.

Universal Genève's chronographs — such as the Compax line, pictured here — are particularly beloved by enthusiasts and dedicated collectors alike. Launched in the 1930s, the Compax collection held a wide variety of chronographs in various configurations, from simple two- and three-register models to complicated versions bearing calendars and moon phase indicators. This beautifully drawn advertisement from 1948 recalls the jet-setting, heady post-War time period during which these watches truly hit their stride.

This ad is custom framed in a 14 7/8” x 17 3/4” natural wood, "floating" style frame with a black and gold stained finish. It features a custom-measured, hand-cut 4-ply matte in cream, complimenting all the ad tones. Every material used is acid-free and the glass is anti-reflective and offers UV-protection to keep this precious ad preserved no matter where you decide to hang it up. Speaking of which, hanging your newly purchased ad is a seamless task, as this particular frame comes with an additional hanging wire and felt pads for wall protection.

Perfect for the horological historian, the avid traveler, or the UG aficionado, this gorgeous, scarce advertisement surely won't last long. Part of a golden era of advertising — and watch design — it's only a matter of time before it's snatched up by a discerning collector.

About our collaboration with Ad Patina

We're thrilled to be collaborating once again with our longtime friend Nick at Ad Patina to bring you a selection of the most-popular and hard to find original vintage magazine advertisements curated specifically for Analog:Shift!

Scouring the world for forgotten marketing treasures, Ad Patina's raison de être very much mimics our own - to hunt down these wonderful bits of history, preserve and restore them as needed, and share them with an enthusiastic community.

These documents of horological and advertising history have entered the collecting conversation as the ultimate accompanying accessory to go along with hobbies and passions. They have found themselves framed in homes and offices around the world.

Every one of these wonderful pieces is a genuine, vintage advertisement that has been professionally framed to ensure years of enjoyment to come - no reprints or reproductions here!

Much like a traditional piece of art - a painting or photograph - an original advertisement can be appreciated for its design ;as well as for its power to evoke nostalgia. Something vintage enthusiasts know all about!