{"product_id":"universal-geneve-cabriolet-as02262","title":"Universal Genève Cabriolet","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNothing exists in a vacuum. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the world of watches. Although the industry’s insular nature lends a certain air of mystery to each brand’s proceedings, it’s happened several times in horological history that several different brands have—independently—come up with the same idea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFor example, reversible watches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is probably the first one that springs to mind. From its romantic, almost whimsical origin story (a watch designed for polo!) to its current status as the flagship of JLC’s catalog, the Reverso has become nothing short of an icon. But it is neither the first—nor the only—reversible watch to exist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eCartier released the Tank Basculante in 1933, two years after the Reverso was minted. With its distinctive swinging frame, it resembles a seesaw, hence its name—from the French \u003ci\u003ebascule\u003c\/i\u003e. Another reversible watch is the Hamilton Otis, which actually used the same case design—penned by Alfred Chauvot—as the Reverso.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAnd yet neither the Basculante nor the Otis is as old as this watch: the Universal Genève Cabriolet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe idea of a reversible watch or clock is not a new one. In 1914, a watchmaker named Louis van Bemmel registered a patent for a reversible clock. Although the case of van Bemmel’s design was round, the notion of a clock whose case could be flipped over had taken root.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFourteen years later, Universal Genève would apply that concept to a watch: the Cabriolet—three years before the Reverso was created. Like the later and arguably more famous Reverso, the Cabriolet featured a smaller rectangular case that rested in a larger outer frame. A screw at 6 o’clock allows the wearer to pop out the inner case, rotate it, and then snap it back into place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe idea was revolutionary, and should have enjoyed great success, but the problems posed by a too-large balance spring saw that the Cabriolet was not long for this world. A few years after being introduced, it was discontinued. Upon the introduction of the Reverso, the Cabriolet was eclipsed, not to see the light of day until it 2008, when it was reissued in a limited run for the manufacture’s centennial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eWhile the name of the Cabriolet’s designer has sadly been lost to time, one must acknowledge his ingenuity. And although it may seem like too much of a coincidence that it and the Reverso were created so close in time to each other, no evidence of creative cross-pollination exists. We must, therefore, chalk it up to chance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eSurviving examples of the 1920s original are rarely seen, and are often in rough shape. We count ourselves fortunate indeed to have found one in such excellent cosmetic condition. Treated to a recent mechanical overhaul, this is a rare example of a historically significant watch from a well-known manufacturer.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Universal Geneve","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7653741756446,"sku":null,"price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Universal_Geneve_Parashock_Reversible_AS02262_1.jpg?v=1520290075","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/universal-geneve-cabriolet-as02262","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}