Universal Genève For Cartier Unisonic Chronometer

By now, Universal Genève should be well known in the watch collecting community.

The brand attained a reputation in its heyday for well-constructed, aesthetically-appealing designs, typified in the Compax and Polerouter models. Yet even with its commitment to aesthetic excellence, Universal Genève was no stranger to innovation.

Bulova's introduction of the Accutron 218 movement in 1965 intrigued and impressed brands and consumers alike, and Universal Genève sought to implement this new technology a decade before the Quartz Revolution changed the watchmaking game forever. The Unisonic was the result — a stunning and innovative timepiece that merged UG's attentive Swiss design language with future-forward American movement, a marriage artfully denoted by the unique UG/Accutron logo printed on the watch's dial. (Cool, right?) 

This particular Unisonic from the 1960s-1970s is crisp and clean — a prime example of the model. Housed in a highly wearable, brushed 34mm stainless steel case, it features an acrylic crystal, a signed crown, and a clean, silver tritium dial with applied baton indices, a day-date display, and a matching stick handset. It has developed a lovely warm patina with age, and has the quality of the watch you feel you've always owned. In outstanding overall condition and powered by an Accutron movement, it comes matched to a 19mm leather strap.

But wait — there's more. In addition to the Accutron logo and the Universal Genève wordmark, you'll likely have noticed yet another wordmark: That's right — this particular Unisonic was retailed by none other than Parisian powerhouse jeweler Cartier, making it the type of rare, double-signed beauty that drives collectors absolutely mad. 

Coupling the elegance of Universal Genève with true technological innovation — plus a co-sign from the "King of Jewelers" — this is a piece of horological history, a relic from that transitional period between the introduction of the tuning fork and the Quartz Revolution.

Check this one out!

Universal Genève was founded in 1894 by Numa-Emile Descombes and Ulysse George Perret.

In the brand's earliest days, it established itself as a manufacturer of in-house movements of exceptional quality. Universal Genève was also among the first watch manufactures to specialize in wristwatches. In 1897, Louis Eduoard Berthoud — noted designer of complicated watch movements — joined the company. His involvement ensured Universal Genève's supremacy in the development of complicated watches in the 20th Century.

It was under Berthoud's leadership that the brand's reputation as a producer of chronographs was solidified. Chronographs, in particular — namely the Compur and the Compax lines — attracted the attention of watch aficionados, aviators, and militaries around the world. Even the Royal Family of the Netherlands issued a royal charter for Universal Genève to outfit the Dutch military with its chronographs.

Universal Genève was also once responsible for some of the most beautiful dress and time-only watches of the mid-20th century. From the purpose-driven Polerouter to the ornate Cabriolet, UG had a touch all its own and breathed incredible beauty and craftsmanship into every piece they produced. Although the brand is currently dormant, there is tremendous interest in collector circles for vintage models, and is regarded very highly by horological historians and design enthusiasts alike.

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 two-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.