1970s Universal Geneve White Shadow Automatic Blue 866050

Here we have the rare 1970s Universal Geneve White Shadow Automatic Blue 866050, launched in 1966. This collection was designed by the innovative mind of Gerald Genta. The beautiful, polished 34mm elliptical-shaped stainless steel case glides effortlessly on your wrist, complemented by its integrated stainless steel adjustable bracelet. It has a lug-to-lug length of 31mm and a case thickness of just 6mm, ensuring a comfortable fit. On the right side, there is a coin-edged signed crown. The thin, polished, smooth bezel holds a flat crystal above a stunning sunburst blue dial. Applied steel batons 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’ 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 a flowing 22mm integrated-mesh stainless steel bracelet and an adjustable, signed sliding clasp. This watch is sold with its original Universal Geneve box.

This watch is sold with its original Universal Geneve box. It comes paired with a flowing 22mm integrated-mesh stainless steel bracelet and an adjustable, signed sliding clasp. The watch dates from Circa. 1970s and is sold in worn vintage condition; however, it is in very fair condition, as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

I have definitely seen a large increase in interest for vintage Universal Geneve, and rightfully so, and this example here is going to be one for the serious collectors. This is a 1970s Universal Geneve White Shadow blue dial, reference 866050. Featuring their iconic micro-rotor automatic UG calibre 2-66, a beautiful movement hidden from sight for the pleasure of watchmakers. With an adjustable integrated bracelet, this will fit a large range of wrist sizes and look completely at home. Snap this gem up whilst you can, great Universal Geneves are being snapped up into long-term collections!

Reference : 866050
Movement : Micro-Rotor Automatic UG Cal. 2-66
Age : Circa. 1970s
Year : Circa. 1970s
Case Size : 34mm
Case Thickness : 6mm
Lug to Lug : 31mm
Lugs : 22mm (Integrated)
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box
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.