Universal Genève White Shadow 866101 (1970-1979)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Universal Geneve White Shadow is a sought-after classic micro-rotor dress watch, distinguished by its ultra-slim oval case designed by Gérald Genta and powered by the historically significant caliber 2-66. Brand: Universal Geneve Model: White Shadow Reference Number: 866101 Serial Number: 3078450 Movement: Automatic micro-rotor caliber 2-66 Dial: Crisp white with painted black Roman numerals Case Size: 34mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +30+33s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The crisp white dial is clean and highly legible, featuring painted black Roman numerals and sharp, fully intact typography. A faint circular mark is visible around the center pinion. The black stick hands exhibit excellent preservation with no significant oxidation, complementing the minimalist aesthetic perfectly. Case and Crystal The stainless steel oval case showcases honest wear with preserved geometry, displaying light surface scratches and handling marks consistent with its age. The bezel is seamlessly integrated into the case design. Pitting and corrosion are visible on the inner case lip beneath the caseback. The watch retains its original crown, signed with the Universal Geneve 'U' logo and featuring well-defined knurling. A flat, clear crystal sits above the dial, showing no major scratches or chips. Movement Inside beats the renowned Universal Geneve caliber 2-66, a micro-rotor automatic movement featuring 25 jewels and adjusted to two positions. The plates and bridges show light surface wear and minor spotting, while the micro-rotor itself exhibits a clean brushed finish. Significant pitting is present on the case perimeter surrounding the movement. The timegrapher records a rate of +30+33s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap The watch is fitted with its original signed stainless steel brick-link bracelet, which is well-suited to the case design and accommodates a maximum wrist fit of 18cm. The clasp features an applied gold-tone 'U' logo and is internally signed 'UNIVERSAL GENEVE STEELINOX BREVETE', while the endlinks are stamped 'UYM'. The clasp and links display moderate surface scratches from use. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial and hands remain excellently preserved, with only a faint circular mark near the center pinion. The case and original bracelet show honest wear and moderate scratching, with notable pitting and corrosion present on the inner case lip and the perimeter surrounding the movement. Supported by the timegrapher results, the micro-rotor caliber is running strong and steady. Dimensions 34mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This White Shadow pairs highly regarded Genta case geometry with one of the most important ultra-thin movements of its era. Retaining its original brick-link bracelet and a remarkably clean dial, it represents an excellent opportunity for collectors of significant 1970s dress watches. History The Universal Geneve White Shadow line is highly regarded by collectors for its elegant, ultra-slim profile, famously designed by Gérald Genta. Introduced in the mid-1960s and continuing into the 1970s, the collection was built around the caliber 2-66. Designed by Gerard Berret, this micro-rotor automatic movement measures just 2.5mm thick, which was a world record for an automatic movement at the time of its release. Beating at 19,800 vibrations per hour, the 2-66 solidified Universal Geneve's reputation for technical innovation in ultra-thin watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: UNI-GXX-0004