1970s Like-NOS Universal Geneve White Shadow Auto 35mm 866101

Here we have the classic 1970s Like-NOS Universal Geneve White Shadow Auto 866101. Launched in 1966, this collection was designed by the innovative mind of Gerald Genta. Featuring a curvaceous 35mm C-shaped stainless steel case. The polished curved flanks lead to a lug-to-lug length of 37.5mm and a case thickness of just 7mm, ensuring a comfortable fit. On the right side, there is a coin-edged signed crown. The thin, polished, smooth bezel holds a domed crystal above a stunning, crisp white dial. Attractive Black Roman numerals mark the hours, and stick hands sit majestically in the centre. At noon, we have the Universal Geneve motif, and at 6 o’clock, ‘White Shadow Automatic Ultra Slim’ completes this sophisticated, minimalist dress watch. On the reverse, a solid snap-off case back, inside a Micro-Rotor Automatic UG Cal. 2-66, 25 jewels, beating at 19,800 beats per hour. This in-house 2.5mm movement was the thinnest automatic in the world at that time; it was designed by Gerard Berret, who joined Patek Philippe in 1968. It comes paired with its original Universal Geneve 18mm leather strap and signed pin buckle. This watch is sold with its original Universal presentation box, swing tag and booklets; papers are signed but faded.

This watch is sold with its original Universal box, swing tag and booklets; papers are signed but faded. It comes paired with its Universal Geneve 18mm leather strap and signed pin buckle. The watch dates from Circa. 1970s and is sold in rare Like-NOS condition, with its sticker still present on the case back, as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

It is far from every day you come across a nice 1970s Universal Geneve White Shadow, reference 866101, in 35mm with the fabulous micro-rotor UG movement. It is almost impossible to come across that same watch in new old stock condition with its case back sticker, original strap, buckle and swing tag, plus its box and booklets, which are signed but basically indecipherable at this point. This is definitely 'museum' quality, so snap it up today before you miss this opportunity entirely!

Reference : 866101
Movement : Automatic UG Cal. 2-66
Age : Circa. 1970s
Year : Circa. 1970s
Case Size : 35mm
Case Thickness : 7mm
Lug to Lug : 37.5mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Booklets
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Universal Genève was founded in 1894 in Le Locle, Switzerland, as Universal Watch by two Horology students, Ulysse-Georges Perret and Numa-Emile Descombes. By 1919, they had moved their operations to Geneva and renamed the brand Universal Genève. They have been owned by Stelux, a Hong Kong investment group, since 1989. In December of 2023, it was announced that The Partners Group, a private equity firm that owns a majority stake in Breitling, is planning to acquire the Swiss luxury watch brand Universal Genève from Stelux Holdings. This Hong Kong-based holding company has been the brand's custodian since 1989. Over the years, Universal Genève has struggled to gain investment and marketing direction under Stelux Holdings, leading the brand to fall behind its competitors in the luxury watch market. However, the acquisition by The Partners Group is expected to change that. The move is largely driven by Georges Kern, the CEO of Breitling, who has expressed his desire to bring back the historical brand and help it regain its former glory. Kern has successfully turned around the fortunes of Breitling since he took over in 2017, and he is expected to apply the same strategy to Universal Genève. The acquisition comes at a time when there is increased interest in vintage watches, particularly those made by Universal Genève. The brand's vintage timepieces have been fetching record prices at auctions, indicating a renewed interest in the brand. With the cash infusion from The Partners Group, Universal Genève is expected to launch new models and expand its product line to cater to the growing demand for luxury vintage watches. The market is receptive to new offerings from the brand, and the acquisition is seen as a positive step towards reviving Universal Genève's reputation as a leading luxury watch brand.