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Universal Geneve Nina Rindt Reference 885105/02, 1970s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Universal Geneve Nina Rindt Reference 885105/02, 1970s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Unrecorded in source
Date
1970s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 36 mm
Stock no.
W-505
Credit line
Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-505)
Catalogue title (original)
Universal Geneve Nina Rindt Reference 885105/02 (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-505), this is a wristwatch, made in Switzerland, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 36 mm. 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 — Bulang & Sons

THE NINA RINDT UNIVERSAL GENEVE CHRONO This is a very rare and desirable chronograph that was acquired from the original owner in Istanbul. The 36mm case features twisted lugs and is in unpolished and completely original condition. The white dial is in crisp condition and contrasts perfectly with the deep black sub dials. The hands remain in perfect condition and all lume dots are intact at the end of the painted hour markers on the dial. The super-rare pulsation bezel is in beautiful condition with a nice gentle patina. The watch will come on its original Gay Freres bracelet in outstanding condition with UG stamped clasp. The acrylic crystal is one of our favourite touches – it’s the original UG marked glass with a small ‘UG’ on the glass (like Omega do). The icing on the cake? Full box and papers showing that the watch was sold in Istanbul in 1980. This really is the full hit for both UG collectors and lovers of vintage chronos! The watch has been fully serviced by our watchmaker and will also come with a strap of your choice from our webshop*. - Reference 885105/02 - Dates to 1970s - Three Register Chrono - Rare Pulsation scale bezel - Rare original UG acrylic crystal - Original box and guarantee paper - Original Gay Freres bracelet with UG stamped clasp - Fully serviced by our watchmaker - Includes one strap of your choice from our webshop*

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

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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