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Oct 23, 2017 · We've also known all along that Clapton had the Universal Genève Tri-Compax ref. 881101 you see here, but damned if this isn’t a killer shot of Slowhand, shooting the breeze with friend and fellow guitar legend Jimi Hendrix.
In the 1960s the model would evolve to the ref. 881101, the /01 version famously being worn by Eric Clapton and a gold version 181102 with exotic dial. In 1985 a Tri-Compax was made with an old stock of movements and in the 1990s an updated version would be launched, very different from the classic and everlasting design of the original release.
The Universal Geneve “Eric Clapton” functions in the same manner as other chronographs of the period. It is manually wound, so you’ll need to wind the crown clockwise to wind the mainspring and power the watch, until you feel resistance.
UNIVERSAL GENEVE TRI-COMPAX ‘ERIC CLAPTON’. A Triple Calendar Complication with Moonphase display, Panda dial, twisted lug case, a DON Tachymeter bezel, original G&F bracelet, day and month windows, a very complicated movement all housed in a 36mm case.
Why This Watch Matters Eric Clapton has fine taste in watches, and has proudly rocked a Tri-Compax with panda dial. This example with black dial is just as striking, and it comes with its original bracelet.
A ref. 881101/01 ‘Clapton’, the height of complicated Universal Genève and arguably Universal’s most significant intersection with culture. The Clapton Tri-Compax sports a full calendar, moonphase, and column-wheel chronograph all in a 36mm, lyre-lug steel case.
While these watches would undoubtedly be considered legends of horology on the strength of their design alone, they’re also closely associated with guitar hero (and prolific watch collector) Eric Clapton, whose love of this specific reference has made this Tri-Compax even more notable and desirable. SPECS. CASE & BRACELET.
