Universal Genève Caliber 1-42 542 101 (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This classic Universal Genève dress watch pairs a slim, elegant profile with a beautifully preserved brushed gold dial. Driven by the in-house manual-winding caliber 1-42, it offers a refined aesthetic defined by crisp Roman numerals and a traditional 31 mm case, presenting a handsome and highly legible vintage timepiece. Brand: Universal Genève Model: Universal Genève Reference Number: 542 101 Serial Number: 3161 700 Movement: Manual-winding caliber 1-42 Dial: Brushed gold with printed Roman numerals Case Size: 31 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-tone, stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: -6-10s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The brushed gold dial is exceptionally clean and well-preserved, remaining highly legible with no visible loss to the crisp printed Roman numerals and text. There is no significant spotting or moisture damage visible on the surface. The black stick hands are straight and clean, possessing an intact finish with no visible corrosion, perfectly matching the pristine dial aesthetic. Case and Crystal The gold-tone case features a stainless steel caseback and maintains a slim dress watch profile with well-defined geometry. It displays honest wear consistent with age, including light surface scratches and handling marks, along with some wear and minor oxidation visible on the caseback edges and lug backs. The knurled crown is signed with the Universal Genève 'U' logo and shows some surface wear and oxidation. A flat, clear crystal protects the dial, showing no significant scratches, chips, or crazing. Movement The watch is powered by the in-house manual-winding Universal Genève caliber 1-42, featuring 17 jewels. The movement is clean, displaying bright plates and bridges with no significant oxidation or corrosion visible, while the screw heads show minimal wear. Crisp engravings detail the maker, jewel count, and unadjusted status. Recording -6-10s/day on the timegrapher. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrast stitching. It shows light creasing from use and serves as an attractive pairing for the gold-tone case. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The dial and hands are exceptionally well-preserved and clean. The case geometry remains well-defined, showing honest age-related wear, light surface scratches, and minor oxidation on the caseback edges, lug backs, and crown. The movement is clean and, supported by the timegrapher reading of -6-10s/day, is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case measures 31 mm in diameter (excluding the crown). Remarks This Universal Genève is a classic manual-wind dress model from a respected maker. The combination of its clean Roman numeral dial, slim case profile, and reliable in-house caliber makes it an excellent choice for those appreciating traditional vintage design. History This reference is representative of Universal Genève's elegant dress watch production during the 1970s. The 31 mm case was a traditional size for dress watches of its era, perfectly proportioned to house the respected in-house manual-winding Caliber 1-42. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: UNI-GXX-0009