Universal Genève - Caliber 1-42 - No reserve price - 842125 - Men - 1970

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Universal Genève holds a deeply respected position in the annals of watchmaking, celebrated by collectors for their mastery of elegant proportions and refined, ultra-thin designs. During the mid-century era, the brand excelled at creating sophisticated dress watches that prioritized clean aesthetics and reliable mechanical performance. This particular timepiece is a wonderful representation of that philosophy, offering a distinctive oval case profile paired with an integrated-style mesh bracelet that perfectly captures the architectural design trends of its time. It is a watch that speaks to the understated grace and enduring appeal of vintage Universal Genève. Brand: Universal Genève Reference Number: 842125 Serial Number: 3308108 Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 1-42 Dial: Silver sunburst with black printed indices, displaying visible edge spotting and oxidation Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and visible dial patina Dial and Hands The watch features a classic silver dial finished with a delicate sunburst texture that catches the light beautifully across its surface. The layout is wonderfully minimalist, utilizing slender, black printed baton indices that coordinate perfectly with the slim black stick hands to provide excellent legibility. At the twelve o'clock position, the dial is anchored by an applied black Universal Genève 'U' logo, positioned just above the brand's printed signature. Upon close inspection, while the central portion of the dial remains relatively clean, there is prominent and clearly visible spotting, oxidation, and staining around the extreme outer perimeter. This edge wear is most noticeable along the lower hemisphere between the four and eight o'clock positions, indicating historical moisture ingress or age-related finish degradation. The hands remain straight and well-presed, complementing the stark, unlumed aesthetic of this elegant dress piece. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinctive oval silhouette that wears with remarkable presence and comfort. The frontal bezel area is finished with a horizontal brushing that transitions smoothly into the polished flanks of the case. The original crown is present and proudly bears the embossed Universal Genève 'U' logo. The case exhibits honest signs of wear consistent with its age, including scattered surface scratches, light scuffs, and minor handling marks across the polished sides and the brushed bezel, though it retains its fundamental geometry without signs of heavy over-polishing. The snap-on caseback is brushed and clearly engraved with the reference number 842125 and serial number 3308108. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that sits cleanly above the dial, showing minor superficial wear but providing a clear view of the display beneath. Movement Housed within the case is the Universal Genève Caliber 1-42, a manually wound mechanical movement renowned for its slim profile and dependable architecture. The rhodium-plated movement is clearly stamped with the Universal Genève signature, caliber 1-42 designation, and notes its seventeen jewels and unadjusted configuration. The bridges and gears present cleanly in the detailed photographs, showcasing the traditional Swiss finishing typical of the manufacturer during this era. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher records a performance of +62 to +70 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet, which flows seamlessly from the case to create a cohesive, jewelry-like appearance on the wrist. The fine mesh remains flexible and comfortable. The fold-over clasp is prominently signed with the Universal Genève 'U' logo and exhibits noticeable surface scratches and desk-diving marks across its exterior, confirming its history of genuine wear. The bracelet is sized to accommodate a wrist up to 19.5 cm. Condition This Universal Genève is presented in good vintage condition. The case and original mesh bracelet show honest, age-appropriate wear, including surface scratches and handling marks that speak to a life of regular use. The dial exhibits significant localized aging, specifically spotting and oxidation around the outer edges, which should be carefully noted by prospective collectors. The movement is clean and operational, and the presence of the original signed crown and signed clasp adds notable collector appeal to this complete vintage package. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 34 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The integrated style of the case and mesh bracelet provides a streamlined and continuous profile on the wrist. Remarks Finding a vintage Universal Genève with its original signed mesh bracelet and signed crown intact is always a pleasure for vintage enthusiasts. While the dial shows undeniable signs of its age along the periphery, the overall design language remains incredibly strong. The Caliber 1-42 is a fantastic example of the brand's dedication to robust, thin manual-wind calibers, making this watch a charming and authentic slice of early 1970s Swiss watchmaking. History Universal Genève was founded in 1894 and quickly established itself as a premier manufacturer of complicated chronographs and elegant dress watches. By the mid-twentieth century, the brand was distributed by the same prestigious retailers that handled Patek Philippe and Rolex, cementing its status in the upper echelons of horology. While highly regarded for their tool watches like the Nina Rindt and Polerouter, Universal Genève was equally adept at producing refined, ultra-thin dress watches that captured the sophisticated spirit of their respective eras. This timepiece is a testament to that legacy, offering a beautiful blend of mechanical integrity and timeless design. / Second Vintage SKU: UNI-UGX-0003