
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Universal Geneve Dress Watch 14K YG, 1960s
- Maker / attribution
- Universal Geneve (maker)
- Date
- 1960s
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- UGDW14K
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (UGDW14K)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1960s Universal Geneve Dress Watch 14K YG (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number UGDW14K), this is a wristwatch by Universal Geneve, made in Switzerland, dated 1960s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Craft & Tailored
Universal Geneve is often considered the quintessential "watch enthusiast's watch brand" – within its cult-like following, there is a ton of reverence, but the brand has somehow remained largely under the radar among the more general audience. That's not to say, however, that the brand doesn't have any icons under its belt. With unmistakable models such as the Gerald Genta-designed Polerouter, the "Nina Rindt" Compax chronographs, and the ultra-complicated Tri-Compax that Eric Clapton made famous for wearing, there's no shortage of history here. Born in 1894 in Le Locle, Switzerland, as Universal Watch, the co-founders, Ulysse Perret and Numa Descombes, originally set out as a watch part manufacturer, but as their business grew, so did their offerings. In 1919, they moved their operation to Geneva, officially creating Universal Geneve. By 1925, UG had designed its first automatic movement, known as the Auto Rem, before eventually releasing those aforementioned icons. Though Universal Geneve eventually produced a broad range of watches intended for vastly different applications, each model shared one crucial commonality: elegance. And this beautiful dress model is no exception, with a lithe 14k yellow gold case that easily slips under the cuff and a light silver dial with contrasting black Roman numerals for hour markers. It's as classic as it is memorable, and is a perfect addition to the collection, whether you're a Universal Geneve superfan or a first-timer. SPECS Stock # UGDW14K Brand Universal Geneve Style Dress Watch Model N/A Serial 04XXX Size Men's Material 14K Yellow Gold Dial Silver Millimeters 33 Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The classic, slim, and understated 14k yellow gold case is in wonderful condition, showing only light signs of use throughout. The unsigned crown is likely an early replacement. The case back retains the original factory markings in crisp and legible condition. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The original brushed silver dial achieves both depth and simplicity and is in well-preserved vintage condition, showing only the slightest elements of gentle age throughout. The black hands complement the Roman numeral hour markers perfectly and remain in excellent condition. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.
Historical context
Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.
The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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