Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Universal Genève White Shadow 'Mosaic' Dial, c. mid 1970s
- Maker / attribution
- Universal Geneve (maker)
- Date
- c. mid 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 35 mm
- Stock no.
- 40991106
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Analog/Shift (40991106)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Universal Genève White Shadow 'Mosaic' Dial (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Analog/Shift (dealer), New York (stock number 40991106), this is a wristwatch by Universal Geneve, made in Switzerland, dated c. mid 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 35 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 — Analog/Shift
While Universal Genève may be most famed for its Compax chronographs and the Polerouter, its svelte dress watches are equally compelling. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, UG designed simple, time-only watches alongside its more complicated brethren that played with shape, color, and design in interesting and novel ways. Take the White Shadow lineup for example: Thanks to its slim automatic winding 'Microtor' movement, these timepieces were (and are) technically impressive and comfortable timepieces, while simultaneously very interesting by design. This particular piece, a Reference 866142, dates to circa the mid-1970s and features a 35mm stainless steel stepped-square case with a signed crown, and an absolutely fantastic, blue 'mosaic' dial with applied indices and a matching 'pencil' handset. What’s more, it’s powered by the Universal Genève Cal. 2-66 automatic winding movement utilizing a micro-rotor, and comes fitted to one of our Analog:Shift beige leather straps. This is the perfect entryway into Universal Genève for the budding collector, or an excellent addition to an established collection for the person who appreciates something just a little bit different - or rather, very funky. Sure to garner knowing nods of approval from the inner enthusiast circle, this is a killer option from one of our absolute favorite brands - full stop.
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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