Universal Genève Tri-Compax ‘Evil Clapton’ Ref. 881101/02

Introduction

The Universal Genève Tri-Compax ref. 881101/02 – dubbed the “Evil Clapton” – occupies a unique space in the realm of vintage chronographs. Its name might raise eyebrows, especially when contrasted with the more famous “Eric Clapton” or “Clapton” variant (ref. 881101/01) featuring a white dial. However, the so-called “Evil Clapton” with its black dial and stark white sub-registers is arguably the more visually striking of the two. Produced during a golden era for mechanical watchmaking in the 1960s, the 881101/02 is emblematic of Universal Genève’s dedication to fine design and mechanical complexity, while also providing insight into the evolution of triple calendar chronographs in that decade.

The Tri-Compax Lineage

Universal Genève introduced the Tri-Compax in 1944 at Baselworld, unveiling a chronograph that also featured a full calendar and moonphase – three complications (“Tri”) in one reference (“Compax”). By combining day, date, month, chronograph functionality and moonphase, the Tri-Compax set a new benchmark for what was mechanically achievable in a wristwatch during the mid-20th century.

Early Tri-Compax models featured stepped cases and Art Deco-style numerals, and over time the design matured, adapting to the aesthetics of each era. By the 1960s, the brand had fully embraced the design language of contemporary sports chronographs. The result: watches like the ref. 881101/02 that retained traditional mechanical complexity but housed it in bold, sporty cases with purposeful dials.

Design & Dial: A Study in Contrast

What distinguishes the 881101/02 – and gives it the “Evil Clapton” nickname – is its reversed panda dial: a matte black base punctuated by white sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. The effect is aggressive, highly legible, and visually dynamic. This stands in direct contrast to the white dial variant (881101/01) worn by Eric Clapton in the 1960s, which led to the latter’s association with the musician.

The term “Evil Clapton” wasn’t coined during the watch’s production run but emerged later among vintage watch communities to differentiate the black dial variant from its lighter sibling. The “evil” moniker refers to the darker aesthetic – not to any real-world associations.

Layout-wise, the dial is a model of 1960s chrono-craft. It houses a 12-hour chronograph counter at 6, a running seconds sub-dial at 9, and a 30-minute register at 3. Just above the 6 o’clock sub-dial is a moonphase aperture. Two small windows at 10 and 2 o’clock indicate the day and month respectively, while the outer track of the dial features a date ring pointed to by a centrally mounted crescent-tipped hand.

Despite the watch’s many functions, the dial avoids becoming cluttered. The balance and symmetry across the dial, along with the restraint in text and logos, demonstrate the design finesse Universal Genève brought to its most complicated references.

The Case: A Sporty Evolution

The 881101/02 was part of a new generation of Tri-Compax models released in the 1960s, where the case design reflected the broader industry trend towards sportiness and robustness. Measuring 36mm in diameter and crafted in stainless steel, the case wears slightly larger due to the long, sharp lugs and the substantial domed acrylic crystal.

A hallmark of this reference is the twisted “lyre” lugs – similar in spirit to Omega’s Speedmaster cases of the same period – which give the case an architectural dynamism. The pump pushers and unsigned crown are of a traditional design, while the solid caseback ensures a streamlined silhouette.

The design of the case wasn’t merely about aesthetics. It was a practical consideration too. The complications within required space and strength, and the new case construction allowed for better water resistance and durability, even if the watch was never designed to be a diver.

Movement: Calibre 281

Powering the Tri-Compax 881101/02 is the Universal Genève calibre 281 – a manually-wound, in-house movement with column wheel chronograph, triple calendar, and moonphase functionality. Derived from the Calibre 285 family, the 281 was developed to support additional complications while maintaining robust timekeeping performance.

Operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour, the movement features 17 jewels and provides a power reserve of around 40 hours. While not visible through the caseback, the calibre is renowned for its complexity and reliability. The movement also features a column wheel – a high-grade chronograph mechanism that delivers a smoother and more precise pusher feel compared to cam-actuated systems.

Despite the intricacy, the 281 is relatively serviceable by experienced vintage watchmakers, making it one of the more approachable complicated movements from the period – assuming you can find the parts.

Production Period and Rarity

The Tri-Compax ref. 881101/02 was produced between approximately 1966 and 1969. While Universal Genève never released exact production numbers, the number of examples that have surfaced on the secondary market over the years suggests that the “Evil Clapton” is significantly rarer than the white-dialed version.

That relative scarcity – combined with the aggressive styling – has made the black dial reference a favourite among vintage chronograph aficionados. Period-correct models will often be identified by the right combination of dial print, handsets (slender baton hands), and the correct domed plexiglass crystal.

It’s worth noting that over the years, some 881101/02s have had service parts replaced, particularly moonphase discs and hands. Spotting an example in original, unrestored condition is increasingly difficult, adding to the mystique of this already rare variant.

Comparisons with the Clapton Ref. 881101/01

While both the black and white dial references are mechanically identical, they tell very different visual stories. The 881101/01 – with its crisp white dial and contrasting black registers – exudes a softer, more classical charm. It’s a design more readily associated with dress watches or restrained 1960s chronographs.

The 881101/02, on the other hand, leans into its tool-watch credentials. The stark reversed colour scheme evokes the vibe of racing chronographs and pilot timers from the same era. The combination of functional complexity and monochrome attitude makes it one of the most distinctive vintage references in Universal Genève’s catalogue.

Interestingly, the shared reference number between the white and black dial variants – 881101 – has created some confusion over the years, with collectors needing to distinguish them primarily by dial rather than model number. In recent years, the addition of the /01 and /02 suffixes has become the accepted shorthand.

Wearing the Tri-Compax Today

At 36mm, the watch may sound small by today’s standards, but the overall wrist presence is stronger than the numbers suggest. The dial layout, wide lug span, and domed crystal create a dimensionality that allows the watch to sit with confidence even on larger wrists.

The charm of the 881101/02 lies not only in its aesthetic, but in the tactile interaction with the movement. Winding the watch, setting the calendar, adjusting the moonphase and operating the chronograph – each action has a deliberate feel, reminding the wearer of the precision required to integrate so many complications into a hand-wound watch.

Of course, as with any vintage triple calendar chronograph, using it regularly requires some patience. There’s no quickset date. Calendar settings must be done via recessed pushers in the case, usually requiring a stylus or pin. But that process is part of the ritual – part of the appeal.

Final Thoughts

The Universal Genève Tri-Compax 881101/02 “Evil Clapton” is a standout expression of 1960s mechanical watchmaking. It represents a moment when brands like Universal Genève were still crafting high-complication chronographs in-house, marrying traditional Swiss watchmaking with the emerging design codes of modern tool watches.

Its dial layout is perfectly proportioned, its complications expertly integrated, and its presence unmistakably bold. While it may be the lesser-known sibling of the white dial “Clapton”, the 881101/02 arguably presents a more compelling, more contemporary aesthetic – one that continues to resonate with those drawn to monochrome palettes and no-nonsense chronograph design.

In an era saturated with homage watches and reissues, the Evil Clapton remains a true original. It’s not merely a product of its time, but a reference point for how complicated watches can still be cohesive, legible, and unflinchingly cool.

Case in very good vintage condition. Light hairlines visible across case. Case looks to be unpolished. Strap is a brand new leather Hirsch strap matted to original Universal Genève buckle. BEzel in good condition with some scratches consistent with a 60 year old watch.

Dial in fair condition. Hands in good vintage condition. Day and date calendar wheel is worn.