Universal Genève - White Shadow Date - 2810502 - Men - 1970

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A captivating piece of horological history, this Universal Genève White Shadow Date exemplifies the brand's mastery of ultra-thin watchmaking. Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta, the White Shadow series introduced revolutionary micro-rotor technology housed within elegantly proportioned cases, offering collectors a seamless blend of mid-century sophistication and mechanical innovation. Brand: Universal Genève Model: White Shadow Date Reference Number: 2810502 Serial Number: 867102 Movement: Automatic micro-rotor caliber 1-67 Dial: Clean silvered dial with printed black baton indices and crisp typography, showing excellent preservation Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The silvered dial presents a subtle, refined texture that interacts beautifully with the light, maintaining a remarkably clean and even appearance throughout. It features crisp black printed baton indices that provide stark, elegant contrast against the light background. The typography is exceptionally sharp and well-preserved, showcasing the applied square 'U' logo above the distinct serif and script "UNIVERSAL GENEVE White Shadow Date" text. A framed date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position. The matching black baton hands are straight and true, exhibiting minor, age-consistent oxidation near the center pinion that validates their vintage authenticity without detracting from the watch's highly legible and sophisticated aesthetic. The dial is free from significant spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration, standing as a premium example of vintage preservation. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case features a distinctive elliptical cushion profile, a hallmark of its era and Genta's visionary design language. The case exhibits a beautiful transition between the finely brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished case flanks, retaining strong, well-defined lines that suggest careful wear over the decades. Honest, superficial handling marks are visible under close inspection, entirely consistent with its excellent vintage condition. The original crown, proudly bearing the embossed Universal Genève 'U' logo, sits neatly against the case edge. The caseback displays crisp, deep engravings of the serial number 867102 and reference number 2810502. A clear, flat crystal protects the dial, showing minimal signs of wear and allowing for an unobstructed view of the pristine display below. Movement Inside beats the celebrated Universal Genève caliber 1-67, a marvel of ultra-thin micro-rotor automatic engineering. The movement is beautifully finished and clearly stamped with "UNIVERSAL GENEVE", "25 TWENTY FIVE JEWELS", and "2 TWO ADJUSTMENTS", alongside the caliber designation "1-67". The gold-toned micro-rotor contrasts handsomely against the rhodium-plated bridges, which display clean surfaces and bright ruby jewels. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results record a deviation of -10s to -12s / day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel mesh bracelet, which integrates seamlessly into the hidden lug structure of the case. The fine mesh is in excellent condition, free from kinks or significant distortion, offering a remarkably supple and comfortable drape on the wrist. It is secured by a fold-over clasp that prominently features the applied Universal Genève 'U' logo, confirming its factory originality and completing the cohesive vintage aesthetic. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The case retains its factory-intended geometry and finishing contrasts, with only light, expected surface wear. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, free from moisture damage or significant spotting, standing as a testament to careful ownership. The original mesh bracelet remains robust and visually striking, while the movement presents beautifully. Dimensions Case width: 35 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks The White Shadow line represents a pinnacle of 20th-century ultra-thin watch design, combining Gérald Genta's visionary case architecture with Universal Genève's pioneering micro-rotor technology. Finding an example with such a pristine dial and its original signed mesh bracelet offers a rare and compelling opportunity for discerning collectors to acquire a true design icon. History Introduced in the mid-1960s and continuing into the 1970s, the Universal Genève White Shadow, alongside its gold counterpart the Golden Shadow, set records for housing the world's thinnest automatic movements at the time. Designed by Gérald Genta before his famed work on the Royal Oak and Nautilus, the Shadow series reflects a pivotal moment in horological design, moving towards integrated aesthetics and sleek, uninterrupted profiles. These timepieces remain highly coveted for their historical significance, technical pedigree, and enduring mid-century elegance. / Second Vintage SKU: UNI-UGW-0001