A yellow-gold Universal Genève Compax, Ref. 12314 

Reference: 12314

Circa: 1940s

Movement: Manual-wind 

34 mm

Case: 18k yellow gold, 34mm, with screw-down case back and push-down crown; push-down chronograph pushers at 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock. Engraving on case back.

Dial: White dial with painted-on black numerals and chronograph registers at 3, 6, and 9'clock; outer telemeter ring in blue numerals; blued hour, minute, and sweeping chronograph hands 

More about Universal Genève:

From its roots, Universal Genève manufactured its movements entirely in-house. Founded in Le Locle and later relocating to Geneva, Universal claims among its innovations the first ever chronograph wristwatch, in 1919. Other innovations followed, such as the brand's first automatic wristwatch in 1925. 

But its hallmark and most enduring products are its chronographs. The Compur was released in 1933, and the Compax followed in 1935. The Compax differs from previous chronographs in that it was the first to feature a sub-dial for hours as well as minutes. The present watch also bears a distinguishing feature: a telemeter, rather than the usual tachymeter, in blue. Compact and elegant, with a unique engraving on the case back, this watch is a fine representative of the Compax name.