Universal Genève Monodate 'Jumbo'

While Universal Genève's chronographs have gained a well-deserved reputation for their superior craftsmanship, the brand's three-hand timepieces have remained relatively unexplored. These elegant watches — with their oftentimes textured or guilloché dials and well-crafted movements — typify the excellence of midcentury horology.

Universal Genève is unique among its contemporaries in that the brand developed many of its own calibers entirely in-house. Its factory in Pont-de-Martel, built in 1941, allowed the firm to expand its production to include all ranges of movements, from automatic bumper-wind calibres to micro-rotor drivetrains. While the Polertouer, with its storied connection to trans-continental aviation, is perhaps the most notable of these, Universal Genève did not stop there.

The watch that we offer here, the Monodate, is driven by the Caliber 138C bumper-wind movement, which Universal Geneve developed in 1948. Like the bumper-wind calibers found in many Omegas, the Caliber 138C limits the rotation of the oscillator with a spring on either side of the weight. However, unlike its Omega counterparts that restricted the rotation of the oscillating weight to 160° — rather than the standard 360° of modern automatics — the design of the Caliber 138C was able to accommodate an increased revolution of 315°.

In addition to being unique to this in-house calibre, the design stands as a sort of benchmark of Universal Genève's technical development; the Caliber 138C allowed for more efficient winding of the mainspring, offering the wearer greater timekeeping and reliability. Still, as the brand continued to grow, advances were made in its automatic technology and U.G. ultimately discontinued production of the Caliber 138C after only one year, replacing it with the Caliber 215 micro-rotor — the movement that would go on to power the famous Polerouter.

Like most offerings from Universal Genève, the outside of this watch was designed with as much care and intention as the inside. At first glance, the eye is drawn to the warm glow of its gold case, the gentle curvature of the lugs, and the stunning silver guilloché dial. Then, however, one notices the subtle date window at 3 o'clock and the small-seconds subdial above 6 o'clock. The result, complemented by the applied gold 'Arabic' numerals and 'dauphine' hands, is a sophisticated feel reminiscent of the days of Breguet. And, at just shy of 35mm and paired to a black leather strap with a signed yellow gold pin buckle, the Monodate is perfectly appointed for modern dress or semi-dress wear.  

Whatever the use, this one is sure to keep you checking the time — if only so you can glimpse the bygone design of a top manufacture recently back from a long slumber. 

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.

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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.