Universal Genève Caliber 1-42 542114 (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This classic and elegant Universal Genève dress watch presents a striking dark grey dial defined by a beautiful vertical brushed finish. Housed in a traditional square case, this timepiece offers a refined aesthetic powered by the reliable Universal Genève caliber 1-42 manual winding movement. Brand: Universal Genève Reference Number: 542114 Serial Number: 3051475 Movement: Manual winding, Universal Genève caliber 1-42, 17 jewels Dial: Dark grey with a vertical brushed finish and applied gold-tone Roman numerals Case Size: 28mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-tone, stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -2-5s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The watch features a well-preserved dark grey dial characterized by a striking vertical brushed texture that interacts beautifully with the light. Applied gold-tone Roman numerals are positioned at twelve, three, six, and nine o'clock, complementing the printed gold-tone Universal Genève logo and text. The dial surface remains very clean, showing minimal signs of aging and offering an excellent visual presence. Time is indicated by gold-tone baton hands, which display some visible oxidation and minor surface scratches, showing light age-related wear consistent with the vintage nature of the watch. Case and Crystal The square gold-tone case presents honest wear consistent with its age, featuring visible scratches and minor dings along the surfaces. Some plating wear is noticeable on the edges and lugs. The stainless steel caseback remains clearly defined, displaying the crisp reference and serial numbers. A gold-tone knurled crown is fitted to the side of the case. The domed acrylic crystal is clear, exhibiting some minor surface scratches visible under certain lighting conditions. Movement Inside the case beats the Universal Genève caliber 1-42 manual winding movement, featuring seventeen jewels. The movement plates and bridges are clean, displaying clear engravings including the Universal Genève name, Swiss origin, and unadjusted status. The visible jewels and gears appear in good condition, with only minor scratches present on the metal surfaces. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The recorded timegrapher measurement is -2-5s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrast stitching. The used leather strap shows signs of previous wear and creasing across the material. Condition Good vintage condition. The dark grey vertical brushed dial remains excellently preserved, while the hands show natural oxidation. The gold-tone case displays visible scratches, minor dings, and plating wear on the edges and lugs, representing honest wear from regular use. The domed acrylic crystal has minor surface scratches. Supported by the recorded timegrapher result, the movement is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case size measures 28mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Universal Genève offers an attractive dial texture and a refined square case profile. The strong performance of the caliber 1-42 manual winding movement makes this a capable and elegant vintage dress watch. History Universal Genève is highly regarded among collectors for its elegant mid-century designs and capable mechanical movements. During the 1970s, the brand produced a variety of refined dress watches that prioritized clean geometric cases and striking dial textures, moving away from purely utilitarian aesthetics toward sophisticated daily wear. The caliber 1-42 is a respected manual winding movement that provided reliable performance, allowing the brand to maintain slimmer case profiles. This era of Universal Genève represents a traditional approach to watchmaking, maintaining a strong focus on elegant proportions, legible layouts, and lasting mechanical integrity. / Second Vintage SKU: UNI-GXX-0014