Our remarks

Universal Genève Compax “Nina Rindt” with Pulsation Bezel Ref. 885105/02, Stainless Steel, Original Tritium White „Panda“ Dial, 1967

Only a handful of vintage watches have become true pop culture icons, and the “Nina Rindt” is one of them. In the late 1960s, Nina Rindt was often photographed at Formula 1 circuits, timing the laps of her husband Jochen Rindt, one of the most charismatic racing drivers of his era and Austrias first formula one winner. On her wrist was this white Universal Genève Compax, a gift from Jochen. The watch has carried her name ever since, and today it is one of the most coveted vintage chronographs in the world.

The 36 mm case is made of stainless steel and has the compact, elegant proportions that make vintage chronographs so comfortable to wear. The pump pushers and the signed Universal crown complete the classic look. What makes this example truly special is its bezel. Most Nina Rindts were fitted with a tachymeter bezel, but this one carries a pulsation scale, which allows a doctor to measure a patient’s heart rate. According to experts, only a small batch of no more than 200 pieces received this bezel in 1966 and 1967, which makes it one of the rarest variants of the Nina Rindt.

The white dial with three black subdials creates the high-contrast “panda” look that collectors love. The dial and the tritium markers and hands are original and have aged harmoniously over the decades. It is a clean, sporty and timeless design, and it photographs as beautifully today as it did at the racetracks of the 1960s.

Inside works the manually wound Universal Genève caliber 85, based on the legendary Valjoux 72, one of the finest chronograph movements ever made. It also powered the early Rolex Daytona, which says a lot about its quality.

It is worn on a cool brown suede leather strap with a stainless steel Universal pin buckle.

This wonderful watch dates from 1967 and is in excellent condition.

„To own a real Nina Rindt with the rare pulsation bezel is something very special, its more than only another icon of vintage chronograph collecting - its cult!"