The Universal Genève Compax “Evil Nina” is the collector nickname for a reverse-panda chronograph, generally identified as reference 885.103/01: its dial is black and its three subsidiary registers are white. It reverses the white-dial, black-register layout of the Compax associated with Nina Rindt. “Evil Nina” is collector terminology, not an established factory model name.
What makes a Compax an “Evil Nina”?
The defining clue is the dial layout. The reference generally associated with the nickname, 885.103/01, has a black main dial and white subsidiary dials. In watch collecting, that high-contrast arrangement is called a reverse panda. The Compax’s three registers sit at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock.
The name plays on the better-known “Nina Rindt” Compax. Nina Rindt was often seen at races wearing a Universal Genève Compax while timing Jochen Rindt’s laps, according to Les Rhabilleurs’ account. That association is with the white-dial, black-register version; it does not establish that she wore the reverse-panda Evil Nina. Christie’s describes “Evil Nina” as a nickname collectors have used in recent years, not a manufacturer’s designation.
Evil Nina and Nina Rindt: the key difference
| Feature | Evil Nina | Nina Rindt Compax |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | 885.103/01, generally associated with the nickname | 885.103/02 |
| Dial layout | Black dial with white subsidiary registers | White dial with black subsidiary registers |
The reference and dial colors are more useful identifiers than the nickname alone: collector terminology can vary, while the reference points to a specific configuration.
#1 Best Overall
- For Dial Diameter: 28.5mm
- Dial Color: Black, Green, Blue
- For Movement: For NH35 NH36/ Eta 2824 Movement
- Package:1x Watch Dial
- Dial Thickness : Single Layer
What the auction examples tell us about its specifications
Christie’s catalogues document mid-1960s examples of reference 885103/01, but their descriptions are not a guarantee that every watch has identical details.
- Circa-1965 example: Christie’s describes a 36 mm stainless-steel case, manual Cal. 72 movement with 17 jewels, black dial with white subsidiary dials, and a black tachymeter bezel. The registers are identified as constant seconds, a 30-minute counter and a 12-hour counter. See the circa-1965 catalogue entry.
- 1966 example: A separate Christie’s catalogue entry describes a 36 mm case and a mechanical UG 85/Valjoux 72 movement with 17 jewels. Its bezel is calibrated for 200 units per hour (UPH), which the catalogue notes is unusual compared with the tachymeter bezel commonly found on the model. See the 1966 catalogue entry.
These are catalogue descriptions of two individual watches, not evidence that every example has the same movement label or bezel scale. Check the specific watch rather than assuming its details from the nickname or reference.
Rank #2
- Size: 24.2mm
- Luminous Color: Green
- ApplicableWatch Case: 31mm
- Quantity: 1 Pc
- Colors: Silver-Light Grey, Silver-Black, Silver-White, Silver-Blue, Silver-Sky Blue, Silver-Army Green, Gold-Black, Yellow, Gold-White, Rose-Black, Rose-White, Rose-Brown (Optional)
Don’t confuse it with the Exotic Nina
The Exotic Nina is a related but distinct later Compax family, not another name for the monochrome Evil Nina. Christie’s dates the introduction of references 885.107 and 885.108—the latter with a blue dial—to 1971. Its circa-1971 catalogue entry describes reference 885.107 as a 36 mm watch with a manual movement; the accompanying essay identifies calibre 85 as based on Valjoux 72. Read Christie’s entry for the Exotic Nina 885.107.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check when comparing an example
A reference number is a starting point, not a substitute for evaluating the individual vintage watch. For a comparison, focus on the particulars documented for that example:
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Rank #3
- Suitable movement: NH36/4R/7S movement
- Dial diameter: 28.5mm
- Handle: suitable for 3/ 3.8/ 4.2 o'clock handle
- Night light: green night light
- Packing list: 1* watch dial
- Reference and dial: Check whether the reference is 885.103/01 and whether the dial has the black-and-white reverse-panda layout.
- Movement: Compare the movement designation and jewel count with documentation for the watch in question; catalogue listings use Cal. 72 or UG 85/Valjoux 72 for the cited examples.
- Bezel scale: Establish whether it is a tachymeter or a 200-UPH bezel. The two Christie’s listings show that bezel details can differ.
- Condition, originality and provenance: Assess these for the specific watch and look for supporting documentation. An auction description documents one lot; it does not by itself authenticate another watch.
The cited catalogues establish examples and their described specifications, but do not establish production totals, current availability, current prices or a condition-adjusted market value. Those should not be inferred from an individual auction listing.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Applicable to precision movement NH35/NH36
- Size: 28.5mm
- 1 x watch dial
- Case Shape : Round
- Dial Material Type : Stainless Steel
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