Universal Genève - QZ - No reserve price - 517-158 - Men - 1985

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Universal Genève is a name that resonates deeply within the vintage watch collecting community, renowned for its innovative designs, technical prowess, and enduring elegance. This exquisite quartz timepiece represents a fascinating era in the brand's history, showcasing their commitment to precision and refined aesthetics even as the industry transitioned into the quartz revolution. With its classic proportions and understated sophistication, this Universal Genève offers a compelling opportunity to acquire a piece of horological history from a truly legendary maison. Brand: Universal Genève Model: Quartz Reference Number: 517-158 Movement: Quartz Dial: Gold-tone brushed dial with applied baton indices, showing localized spotting and patina Case Size: 32 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated stainless steel Production Year: 1985 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear and attractive aging Dial and Hands The dial of this Universal Genève presents a striking vertical brushed texture in a warm gold tone, exuding a classic and refined aesthetic. It features applied, faceted baton indices in black, providing excellent contrast and legibility. The Universal Genève logo and name are printed crisply below the 12 o'clock position, while "QUARTZ" is proudly displayed above the 6 o'clock mark, signifying the technological advancement of its era. Close inspection reveals localized spotting and patina, primarily concentrated around the outer edge between the 3 and 6 o'clock positions, adding a distinct vintage character to the piece. The simple, elegant black baton hands complement the indices perfectly, maintaining the minimalist design language. Case and Crystal The 32mm gold-plated case exhibits a timeless, ultra-thin profile characteristic of elegant dress watches from the period. The case lines remain well-defined, though honest signs of wear, including micro-scratches and light handling marks, are visible across the polished surfaces, consistent with its age and use. The slim, straight lugs offer a delicate transition to the strap. The crown, signed with the Universal Genève 'U' logo, sits flush against the case flank. The watch is fitted with a flat crystal that appears clean and free of major scratches, allowing for a clear view of the dial. The stainless steel caseback features the Universal Genève logo and reference number, alongside visible wear and localized plating loss near the edges. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Universal Genève quartz movement, visibly marked "SWISS MADE" and "UNADJUSTED SEVEN (7) JEWELS." The movement plate exhibits a copper-toned finish, while the electronic module is distinctively green. The intricate layout of the quartz mechanism is clearly visible, reflecting the technological standards of Swiss quartz calibers of the era. Strap The watch is presented on a brown leather strap with a crocodile-embossed pattern and matching stitching. The strap shows signs of wear and creasing, particularly near the lugs and buckle holes, indicative of previous use. It is secured with a simple gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This Universal Genève is in good vintage condition. The case shows normal vintage wear with some light scratches and handling marks on the gold-plated surfaces. The dial exhibits noticeable localized spotting and patina, particularly along the lower right edge, which adds to its vintage charm but should be noted by discerning collectors. The crystal remains clear, and the signed crown is a pleasing original detail. The caseback shows wear and some plating degradation around the perimeter. Dimensions Case Size: 32 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Universal Genève Quartz is a testament to the brand's ability to adapt to changing horological trends while maintaining its signature elegance. The ultra-thin profile and minimalist dial design make it a versatile dress watch that wears beautifully on the wrist. The visible patina on the dial speaks to its history and journey through time, offering a unique character that cannot be replicated. History Founded in 1894 in Le Locle, Switzerland, Universal Genève quickly established itself as a premier manufacturer of complicated timepieces, particularly renowned for its chronographs like the Compax series and the innovative micro-rotor Polerouter designed by a young Gérald Genta. As the quartz crisis reshaped the Swiss watch industry in the 1970s and 80s, Universal Genève, like many of its peers, embraced the new technology, producing elegant and precise quartz models that retained the brand's hallmark sophistication. This particular quartz model reflects that transitional period, offering the reliability of a quartz movement housed within a classic, refined aesthetic that remains true to Universal Genève's esteemed heritage. / Second Vintage SKU: UNI-UGQ-0001