Universal Genève Compur 30 Chronograph Ref. 12445 – 18K Yellow Gold with Salmon Dial (Circa 1941)
The Universal Genève Compur 30 is one of the brand’s earliest and most historically significant chronograph designs. Produced in the early 1940s, this reference 12445 embodies the golden era of Swiss watchmaking—combining technical excellence with timeless aesthetics.
Presented here in solid 18K yellow gold, with a rare pink salmon dial, this example offers a compelling blend of rarity, condition, and vintage character.
Early Compur Chronograph Design
The Compur 30 represents one of Universal Genève’s first generations of chronograph wristwatches, making it particularly desirable among collectors.
This example features a 34.5mm solid 18K yellow gold case, offering strong presence for its era while remaining elegant and wearable. The case is preserved in excellent condition, retaining sharp original edges and clearly visible hallmarks, a testament to careful preservation over time.
Rare Salmon Dial with Original Patina
The watch is fitted with an original and rare pink / rosé (salmon) dial, one of the most sought-after configurations among vintage chronograph collectors.
The dial shows natural patina consistent with its age, adding depth and authenticity while preserving its originality and historical character. Its balanced layout, combined with the warm tone of the dial and gold case, creates a visually striking and highly collectible aesthetic.
The dial is complemented by blued steel hands, adding contrast and elegance in classic vintage chronograph fashion.
Movement – Universal Genève Calibre 386
Inside beats the Universal Genève Calibre 386, a high-grade manual-wind chronograph movement featuring a column wheel mechanism—a hallmark of fine chronograph construction.
The movement has been freshly serviced and is running excellently, ensuring precise and reliable chronograph operation.
Period Details
The watch is fitted with an unsigned gold-tone crown, consistent with early production examples.
It retains a plexiglass crystal, in keeping with the period and adding to its authentic vintage charm.
Based on the case serial number 793250, production dates to approximately 1941, placing this piece firmly within the early years of Universal Genève’s chronograph history.
Strap
The watch is fitted with a handmade black leather strap, crafted in Belgium, providing a refined and understated complement to the warm tones of the case and dial.
Key Details
Model: Universal Genève Compur 30 Chronograph
Reference: 12445
Era: Circa 1941
Case: Solid 18K Yellow Gold
Case Size: 34.5mm
Dial: Original pink / salmon dial with natural aging
Hands: Blued steel hands
Crown: Unsigned crown
Movement: Universal Genève Calibre 386, manual-wind chronograph with column wheel (freshly serviced, running excellent)
Crystal: Plexiglass
Strap: Handmade black leather strap (Belgium)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with strong case and preserved details
Why This Watch?
The Universal Genève Compur 30 is a cornerstone of early chronograph history. This example stands out with its rare salmon dial, strong unpolished case, and high-grade column wheel movement.
Combining technical pedigree, aesthetic warmth, and historical significance, this is a highly collectible 1940s chronograph—a true connoisseur’s piece that tells the story of early Swiss chronograph innovation.
Timeless, rare, and full of character—this is vintage Universal Genève at its finest.
