Universal - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: 1946
    Reference No: 21'312
    Movement No: 219'478
    Case No: 1'318'956
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. UG 291, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Universal pin buckle
    Dimensions: 34mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and pin buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Universal Genève Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture of the present watch in 1946.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1917, Perret & Berthoud, which would become Universal Genève in the mid 30’s, launched its first chronograph wristwatch.

    A complete family of chronographs would follow under the name "Compax". However, Universal Genève did not only produce chronographs - it also had an exclusive collection of calendar watches, like the present one. This triple calendar displays the day in a window at 12 o’clock, and the month, the date and the moonphases in the subdials.

    Despite the amount of "information" on the dial, this watch remains highly legible thanks to its very large dial. Preserved in mint condition, this so-called "new-old-stock" is a gem, with very attractive claw lugs that should seduce the new collectors and savvy ones alike.

  • Artist Biography

    Universal

    Swiss • 1894

    Universal Genève was founded in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1894 and was originally known as "Universal Watch." Since its inception, Universal Genève has produced watches with unusually high quality for their price point. Universal was among the first brands to introduce a chronograph wristwatch.

    Today, the firm's vintage models are highly sought-after and desired for their oversized cases and interesting dial designs. Key models include a variety of "Compax" models such as the "Nina Rindt" or "Evil Nina," the Uni-Compax, the Space-Compax, the Aero-Compax and the Film-Compax.

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5

Ref. 21'312
A highly attractive stainless steel triple calendar wristwatch with moonphases and "spider" lugs

1946
34mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and pin buckle signed

Estimate
CHF4,000 - 6,000 
€3,700-5,600
$4,000-5,900

Sold for CHF7,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017