Well, if we’re talking numbers, no. However, when we look at them side by side, the answer isn’t no. Also, in our opinion, the story behind the Nina Rindt is far more romantic than the Paul Newman. So, the answer is definitely not no.
In the world of watch collecting, nicknaming watches after famous people who wore them, or had a particularly significant attachement to them is quite common. For example, Rolex alone has the “Paul Newman” Daytona (here), the “Steve McQueen” Explorer II (here), and the “James Bond” Submariner, not to mention the Rolex superheroes (here) which are dominating the market.
In this article, we would like to introduce you to a watch which, in recent years, has garnered very interesting asking prices. The watch is named after a 1970s feminine style icon, can you guess it?
Who is Nina Rindt?
Her maiden name is Nina Lincoln. Still can’t figure it out? What if we said, Jochen Karl Rindt? Does that ring any bells?
The watch is none other than the Universal Geneve Compax “Nina Rindt” Ref.885.103/2.
Nina Lincoln, is a former international supermodel, and widow to the late Formula 1 World Champion Jochen Karl Rindt, a pilot who tragically died after crashing during a practice session at the 1970 Monza Grand Prix.
Nina would accompany her husband everywhere, and was often spotted trackside, timing Jochen’s laps. On her wrist, a gift from her husband: this Universal Geneve Compax chronograph on a large “bund” leather bracelet.
See any similarities?
At first glance, the “Nina Rindt”, produced between 1964 and 1967, could be mistaken for a Rolex Daytona Ref.6241.
In fact, both watches contain many similar features. Just to name a few: the dial layout, the tachymeter bezel, pump-pushers, the movement, and the overall case diameter.
This article is not about vintage Daytonas. However,if you would like to know a little bit more about them, read here!
Credits:
The Nina Rindt in detail
All Universal Geneve Compax “Nina Rindt” Ref.885.103/2 feature a case which measures just over 36mm wide, sporting twisted lugs.
The dial of the Ref. 885.103/2 is a classic “panda dial“: a mainly white face with black Compax chronograph subdials. Its sister reference – the Ref. 885.103/1 – is a reverse panda: the colourscheme is the inverted. The latter model is dubbed the “Evil Nina” by avid collectors.
The beating heart of this historic watch is Universal Geneve’s cal. 85 – a modified version of the famous Valjoux 72 movement. This was an industry leading chronograph movement which was used by many watchmakers such as Rolex for their early manually-wound Daytonas.
The bezel features a tachymetric scale, with graduations from 60 to 500 units. This function must have been invaluable to Nina whilst sitting trackside. However, a highly rare variant of the Universal Geneve “Nina Rindt” exists: one with a pulsometric scale on the bezel.
In order operate the chronograph complication, just as Nina did for her beloved Jochen, you simply press the “pump” pushers located at the 2 and 4 o’clock positions. Unlike many other chronographs of that age, the Universal Geneve “Nina Rindt” model would never feature “screw-down” pushers.
Finally, the bracelet. When purchased new, this iconic Universal Geneve watch came with a matching steel bracelet with a branded clasp, made by none other than the legendary Gay Freres.
The aftermarket profile of the Universal Geneve Compax Nina Rindt
It’s impossible to put a price on the original Universal Geneve Compax “Nina Rindt” Ref.885103/2, owned by Nina Lincoln, since it would appear that it is still in her possession!
To perhaps get an idea of the minimum price, we can take a look at this model’s high-profile auction history. After sifting through the archives of the famed auction house, Phillips, we found that: a ref.885.105 was sold for €24,700 in 2015; a ref.885.103/02 for €24,300 in 2018; and another ref.885.103/02 (without any bracelet) for €20,200 in 2020.
The auction figures stated above suggest that its historic value has been appreciated over 40 years, thus reflected financially. However, I think the fact that it has maintained its value over the past 10 years is much more noteworthy. This relative stability indicates that (fortunately) it hasn’t fallen victim to the mad whirlwind of its Rolex rival, which has reached mind-boggling prices in recent years.
Naturally, should Nina’s own “Nina Rindt” ever appear at auction, these prices will likely be multiplied by 10… at least. After all, you’re paying for a piece of history, and a poignant love story, too.
What will the future hold for this historic model? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
-Translated by Patrick R.
