Why We Love It

Triple. Calendar. Moonphase.

This Universal Genève has it all, with day, date, moonphase, oversized arabic numerals, and in near mint condition with original hangtags. Somehow this piece manages to have it all without being hard to read, with the date at three, the month and moonphase at six, running seconds at nine, and the day at twelve. An example of the kind of non-fussy watch design that marries information and style in a thin svelte case. 

Weighing in at 34mm in steel, this manually wound calibre 291 is just the right size, easily wearable under a cuff, or on any other outfit. Combined with the stunning overall condition and the presence of those original hang tags it is a piece you are sure to love and reach for morning after morning. 

The watch speaks for itself.

The Story

Universal Genève was founded in 1894 by Numa-Emile Descombes and Ulysse George Perret. In the brand's earliest days, it established itself as a manufacturer of in-house movements of exceptional quality. Universal Genève was also among the first watch manufacturers to specialize in wristwatches. In 1897, Louis Eduoard Berthoud--noted designer of complicated watch movements--joined the company. This ensured Universal Genève's supremacy in the development of complicated watches in the 20th Century.

It was under Berthoud's leadership that the brand's reputation as a producer of chronographs was solidified. Chronographs, in particular--namely the Compur and the Compax lines--attracted the attention of watch aficionados, aviators, and militaries around the world. Even the Royal Family of the Netherlands issued a royal charter for Universal Genève to outfit the Dutch military with its chronographs. 

Universal Genève was once responsible for some of the most beautiful dress watches and chronographs from the mid-20th century. From the purpose-driven to the ornate, UG had a touch all its own and breathed incredible beauty and craftsmanship into every piece they produced.