1967 Van Cleef & Arpels Universal Genève “Wood” Dial 842101

Here we have the very rare and sophisticated 1967 Van Cleef & Arpels Universal Genève “Wood” Dial, reference 842101 - 15. This timepiece is a masterclass in mid-century organic design, featuring a slim 31mm stainless steel case measuring a mere 7mm thick. Its distinctive aesthetic is defined by the wood veneer dial, which offers a warm, textured contrast to the polished steel of the integrated bezel and case. The minimalist layout preserves the natural grain of the wood, punctuated only by elegant applied steel baton indexes, needle-thin steel hands and the prestigious house of Van Cleef & Arpels. The ultra-thin watch is powered by a manually wound Universal Genève Calibre 42, a movement renowned for its reliability and slim profile, allowing the case to sit flush against the wrist with a 37mm lug-to-lug span. The 16mm lugs seamlessly transition into its strap, maintaining the fluid, architectural lines for which the reference is celebrated. It remains a pinnacle of "chic" design, merging horological precision with the raw beauty of natural materials.

This watch is sold as ‘Watch Only’ and therefore comes with no original Van Cleef & Arpels box or paperwork. The watch comes paired with a well-suited 16mm leather strap and pin buckle. The watch dates from Circa. 1967 and is sold in worn vintage condition; signs of age are visible on the watch, as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

You will find plenty of wonderful Universal Genève reference 842101, the rare example coming with this wonderful "Wood" dial, but even rarer than those are these incredible examples retailed by Van Cleef & Arpels. If you are a collector of rare watches, this is definitely one to seriously consider. Powered by the fantastically thin Universal Genève calibre 42, this model comes in at a shocking 7mm thin, allowing it to vanish against the wrist. I would not hesitate to add this vintage gem to your collection today!

Reference : 842101 - 15
Movement : Manually Wound UG Cal. 42
Age : Circa. 1967
Year : 1967
Case Size : 31mm
Case Thickness : 7mm
Lug to Lug : 37mm
Lugs : 16mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

In 1895, in Paris, Esther, also known as Estelle Arpels, married Alfred Van Cleef. Both came from families with a long tradition in the jewellery business. They shared a love for family, a desire to innovate, and a passion for beautiful gemstones. The story of Van Cleef & Arpels truly began in 1906 when the brand was established. By the 1920s, they started focusing on creating watches, blending them creatively with jewellery. One of their early innovations, introduced in 1923, was the "secret watch." These watches allowed women to check the time discreetly, merging elegance with functionality. The brand is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, especially in watchmaking. In 2006, they launched the "Poetic Complications" collection, which showcases their ability to tell captivating stories through their timepieces.