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What is the history of the Universal Genève watch?
1 Answer

The history of the Universal Genève watch dates back to 1894, when Numa-Emile Descombes and Ulysse George founded the Universal Genève company in Le Locle, Switzerland. At that time, it was called Universal Watch. During its early years, Universal Watch crafted movements and components for other companies. Then, it unveiled its first chronograph watch in 1917. Over the years that followed, the company introduced a number of successful collections, including the Compur in 1934, the Uni-Compax in 1936 and the Simple Calendar in 1943. Universal Genève also created the first anti-magnetic watch, a timepiece capable of keeping time accurately even when worn during expeditions to the North Pole. During the quartz crisis of the 1970s and ’80s, Universal Genève's sales slumped. It attempted to relaunch in 1994, 2005 and 2019 with modest success. Private investment firms Partners Group and CVC Capital Partners purchased the company with the intention of returning it to its roots of producing luxury, complex chronograph watches. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Universal Genève watches.
1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024
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Shop for Universal Genève Watches on 1stDibs
Modernist Gold Watch, Universal Geneve
By Universal Genève
Located in New York, NY
Modernist 14k Gold Watch, Universal Geneve on satin watch band. Space age design with watch floating off the side of the band. 1970's Swiss.
1" wide x...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Universal Genève Pink Gold Uni-Compax wristwatch Ref 124103, circa 1950s
By Universal Genève
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
Case No. 1452130, Ref. 124103. Ma...
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
1944 Universal Geneve Aero-Compax Mens Vintage WWII Era Aviator's Watch - SS
By Universal Genève
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1st...
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Geneve 14k Gold Fancy Nugget Design Bracelet Swiss Watch
By Universal Genève
Located in Miami, FL
Geneve 14k Gold Fancy Nugget Design Bracelet Swiss Watch. Recently serviced and works excellent. Iconic 1970s look with the solid good bracelet watch f...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Universal Geneve Retro Diamond Sapphire Gold Wristwatch 1940S
By Universal Genève
Located in Geneva, CH
Universal Geneve Retro Diamond Sapphire Gold Wristwatch.
Circa 1940. Swiss made.
Wrist length: approx. 18.50 centimeters.
Case dimensions: 1.50 ...
Category
Vintage 1940s European Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Universal Genève Tri Compax Chronograph Ref 222100, Rare Collectors Watch
By Universal Genève
Located in Antwerp, BE
Universal Genève Tri Compax Chronograph Ref.222100,Rare Collectors Watch
Caliber : 281
Case : 36 mm Stainless Steel
A rare Universal TRI...
Category
20th Century Artisan Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel