Universal Genève - Ultra-Slim - No reserve price - 542137 - Men - 1974

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Universal Genève reference 542137 is a masterclass in 1970s dress watch design, combining an ultra-slim profile with a sophisticated cushion case shape. Known for their technical prowess during this era, Universal Genève produced timepieces that were not only mechanically superior but also aesthetically refined. This specific example features the beautifully finished Caliber 1-42 manual wind movement and presents a stunning champagne sunburst dial that captures the light effortlessly. It is a quintessential dress watch that embodies the elegance of the golden age of Swiss horology, offering a distinguished presence on the wrist despite its understated dimensions. Brand: Universal Genève Model: Ultra-Slim Reference Number: 542137 Serial Number: 3387729 Movement: Manual Wind Caliber 1-42 Dial: Champagne sunburst Case Size: 29 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated / Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1974 Condition: Stunning vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with a pristine dial and sharp case lines. Timegrapher results indicate healthy movement performance. Dial and Hands The dial is the highlight of this timepiece, featuring a flawless champagne sunburst finish that radiates from the center. It is adorned with sleek, black-painted applied baton hour markers and matching slim black stick hands, creating a high-contrast and legible display. The applied "U" logo sits proudly at 12 o'clock, and the text remains crisp and unblemished. The overall presentation of the dial is exceptional, showing virtually no signs of aging. Case and Crystal The cushion-shaped case is finished in gold plate with a stainless steel caseback, featuring a distinctive "TV-screen" silhouette that was highly fashionable in the 1970s. The gold plating remains rich and consistent with well-defined edges, showing only very minor handling marks consistent with careful storage. The signed crown features the Universal Genève "U" logo. The acrylic crystal is clean and clear, offering an unobstructed view of the dial. The caseback bears sharp, deep engravings of the reference and serial numbers, further attesting to the watch's excellent preservation. Movement Powered by the Universal Genève Caliber 1-42, a high-grade 17-jewel manual wind movement known for its slim architecture and reliability. The movement bridges show clean finishing and no signs of oxidation. The watch is running strong, with timegrapher readings showing approximately +30 to +32 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement performing well within acceptable vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap featuring contrasting stitching, which complements the warm tones of the gold case and champagne dial. The strap is in excellent condition and ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is near-perfect, free from spotting or patina often seen on watches of this age. The case retains its original geometry with sharp lugs and clean surfaces. The movement is clean and functioning reliably. It is a collector-grade example that has evidently been cherished. Dimensions With a width of 29 mm excluding the crown, the square case shape offers a wrist presence comparable to a larger round watch, sitting elegantly on the wrist with a classic vintage proportion that slides easily under a dress cuff. Remarks A refined example of Universal Genève's 1970s design language, this manual wind dress watch offers a compelling mix of style and mechanical pedigree. The sharp case, pristine dial, and original signed components make it a desirable piece for collectors of the brand or anyone seeking a sophisticated vintage dress watch in superior condition. History Universal Genève is one of the most respected names in Swiss watchmaking, celebrated for its innovations in chronograph movements and ultra-thin automatic calibers like the Polerouter. In the 1960s and 70s, the brand collaborated with legendary designer Gérald Genta and focused heavily on slim, elegant dress watches. The Caliber 1-42 used in this model is a testament to the brand's continued commitment to creating thin, high-performance mechanical movements even as the quartz crisis approached. / Second Vintage SKU: UNI-UGX-0006