Universal Genève White Shadow

This was the thinnest automatic watch in the world, and Gerald Genta designed it. That’s quite the pedigree.

This example is in outstanding condition, and is housed in a highly desirable stainless steel case. A crisp matte black dial with simple polished hour markers add a touch of elegance to the watch and pair perfectly with the black stick hands. The cushion shape gives the watch a strong wrist presence, and the ultra-thin case is a welcome change from the Submariners and Speedmasters that are so often strapped to our wrists. The cherry on top for this beauty comes in the form of its full original kit - box, Guarantee papers, service center booklet, original purchase receipt, and even the original signed buckle.  Really an outstanding find!

If you’re looking for a dressier piece to wear to the office or on formal occasions, the White Shadow is a worthy consideration. It has an unimpeachable pedigree, looks fantastic and is a joy to wear. Put this one on your radar.

About the UG White Shadow:

Back in the day, Universal Genève was the real McCoy. Instead of assembling watches from parts produced by various manufactures like many brands of the mid 20^th century, the Swiss brand was developing and producing their own innovative designs. The White Shadow was not just powered by any old movement, but an in-house, micro-rotor automatic movement. But wait, this wasn’t the run-of-the-mill in-house micro-rotor automatic movement, it was the world’s thinnest automatic movement for over a decade after its introduction in the mid-60s. As far as we’re concerned, that an impressive bit of horological history, and we’re just thankful that such an important movement is housed in such a good looking watch.

Speaking of the White Shadow’s looks, this is one of the first major watches designed by the late, great Gerald Genta, the prodigy of watch design who was responsible for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus. Genta designed the White Shadow prior to those pieces while still working for Universal Genève, where he was also the brains behind the Polerouter (see one, HERE). With its record-breaking movement and Genta’s artistic touch, the White Shadow deserves as much recognition as any other UG, whether it’s a Tri-Compax or Nina Rindt chronograph.