Universal Genève Dress Watch

In the 1930s through 1960s, nothing said elegance more than a gold dress watch. But by the mid-1970s, gold sports watches--like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak--began to draw favor, replacing the smaller, simpler dress pieces as the designation of taste, wealth and savoir faire. As a result, the beautiful and elegant slim dress watches of the 1950s and 1960s often get passed over in today's vintage market.

But the tides are starting to turn, and collectors are beginning to appreciate these exquisite pieces once more.

Universal Genève produced some of the most interesting timepieces of the post-war Golden Age with build quality that rivaled the better known big Swiss manufactures. From humble beginnings, Universal Genève grew in the post-war years to become a small but leading quality manufacture of chronographs and calendar complications, peaking with small runs of high-quality sporting chronographs in the 1960s and 70s. It’s these watches—most notably the Tri-Compax—for which Universal Genève has gained a reverential following in recent years.

The late 1940s and early 50s were when Universal Genève tested itself and its limits. It was in this period that the brand produced more self-branded pieces and experimented with various dial, case and movement designs. The result was an era of superlatively-constructed watches that offer as much insight into the brand's technical ability to manufacture as it does a desire to craft beautiful timepieces.  

This particular UG hails from the early 1950s and is an excellent example of the capabilities that the brand had been so focused on honing. From the elegant 36mm case with gently sloping straight lugs to the two-tone dial with applied Arabic markers and hour indices, this piece simple vibrates with superlative craftsmanship and design. In its current condition, you don't need to be a seasoned collector to know that this one is something very, very special.   

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.