Manufacturer: Universal Year: 1937 Reference No: 5922 Case No: 630'122/3 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 285, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated buckle Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Scholarship tells us that from the late 1930s to the early 1950s, Hermès represented Universal Genève in Paris resulting in gorgeous watches manufactured by Universal and retailed by Hermès.
Manufactured between 1936 and 1938, this large chronograph with three oversized registers was encased in yellow gold, further adding to its rarity. It features a stunning, glossy black dial with gold italicized Arabic numerals, a tachometer scale along the outer chapter ring, and beautiful, gold feuille hands. The dial is stamped Universal Genève at 12 o’clock, and signed Hermès at 6 o’clock, above the 12-hour register.
Preserved in overall excellent condition, this watch still retains the hallmarks on the side of the case and strong definition to its the lugs. For all vintage watch collectors, this piece is sure to impress.
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.