Vintage Universal Geneve watches
Discover our selection of rare Universal Genève watches available online.
Updated everyday, add this page to your favorites if you like old Universal Genève chronographs.
A daily selection of rare vintage Universal Genève
Our team daily selects the most sought-after vintage Universal Genève currently available online. If you are looking for a Universal Geneva Polerouter Sub Diver 869109/01, a Space-Compax Valjoux 72 or a more common Polerouter Microtor 329805 in mint condition, you are on the right page to find it. We source our vintage models from collectors and serious suppliers who regularly provide some nice pre-owned Universal Genève. If you are looking for a specific model, feel free to send us an email and we will try to help you find it.
UNIVERSAL GENEVE WATCHES FOR COLLECTORS:
Universal Genève, a famous brand for watch collectors
Universal Genève, founded in 1894 in Switzerland, is a prestigious Swiss luxury brand. U.G. is famous for having produced the first chronographic watch in 1917 and some mythical models like the Compax Nina Rindt with its famous Valjoux 72 movement (reference 885105/02 or 885103/01 the "Evil Nina"). Vintage Universal Genève are very popular among knowledgeable watch collectors who don't want to wear the same Rolex Daytona as all other collectors.
What is the value of a vintage Universal Genève ?
Rare Universal Geneve can reach very high value in auctions, for example this Universal Genève Nina Rindt Compax 885105/02 has reached the level of $16,100 on Watch-Deal with 24 collectors fighting for it... and as you can see it wasn't a watch in mint condition... but it is an exceedingly rare Universal Genève reference:
Universal Genève Nina Rindt Compax 885105/02
To give you other examples, a Universal Geneve Compur 30 will be found around $700 and a Universal Geneve Polerouter Sub Diver 869109/01 Cal 69 will reach around $2000. For more common Universal Genève, have a look at the bottom of our Universal Genève catalogue.
The Polerouter sells for between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on its condition. Standard Compax models sell for around $5,000, while Tri-Compax versions fetch $7,000 to $12,000.
Gold Tank models are enjoying a notable increase in value, with average transactions of $4,000 to $8,000. The Nina Rindt reference, an auction star, can exceed $25,000 for an exceptional model.
Breitling's takeover is stimulating buyer interest. A case in point: a Polerouter Sub sold for $2,800 in early 2023 now fetches over $4,500, reflecting a sharp rise in prices.
How to get a Universal Geneve wristwatch on this page ?
There is nothing easier : have a look to our catalogue of vintage Universal Genève and click on the UG you like. We will then automatically redirect you towards a secured site where you could get it. If you have any questions about a model, please drop us an email. You will find a lot of information about Universal Geneve watches on specialized watch forum like Watchuseek.
The history of a legendary watch manufacturer
Universal Genève has left its mark on the watchmaking world with its revolutionary technical advances. In the 1930s, it launched the Compax, the first wrist chronograph with hour counter, followed in 1944 by the legendary Tri-Compax with three registers.
A turning point came in 2023 with the takeover by Breitling, promising a renaissance expected by 2026. This strategic acquisition brings together two giants of Swiss precision watchmaking. The brand, once dubbed “the couturier of watches”, is about to write a new chapter in its history.
Between tradition and modernity, Universal Genève is preparing its return to the forefront, reviving the spirit of innovation that has made its reputation since its beginnings in Le Locle.
Polerouter: the Gérald Genta icon
The creation of the Polerouter in 1954 marked a major turning point for Universal Genève. This revolutionary watch, the first work of the then 23-year-old Gérald Genta, met the specific needs of Scandinavian Airlines System pilots on their transpolar flights.
Its avant-garde design features a dial with contrasting textures and distinctive twisted lugs. The automatic micro-rotor movement, a remarkable technical innovation, enables the watch to withstand polar magnetic fields while maintaining an elegant, slim silhouette.
The Polerouter's growing popularity in the vintage watch market is due in no small part to its connection with Patek Philippe, Genta later designing the legendary Nautilus for the prestigious house.
A fine example of a vintage Universal Geneve Polerouter
The Tri-Compax chronograph masterpiece
The Tri-Compax represents the pinnacle of Universal Genève's watchmaking expertise. Its hand-wound Calibre 481, equipped with a column wheel, delivers exceptional precision in measuring time. Its 36mm case houses a sophisticated dial simultaneously displaying chronograph, full calendar and moon phases.
The “Nina Rindt” version, recognizable by its black dial with white counters, remains particularly popular with collectors. Its “inverted panda” style gives it remarkable legibility, while its pump pushers underline its sporty character.
The triple date chronograph is distinguished by its robust construction and water-resistance, a technical feat for its time. Its limited production run and mechanical complexity explain its growing popularity on the vintage market.
Gold Tank models: pure elegance
The Tank Universal Genève models embody the quintessential Art Deco style of the 1930s. Their rectangular cases in solid 18-carat gold feature refined architectural lines, sublimated by an exclusive satin finish.
The hand-wound 1-42 caliber, a veritable miniature feat, allows Tank watches to maintain the ultra-flat silhouette appreciated by lovers of understated elegance. The silver or champagne dials feature applied hour-markers and case-matched gold “dauphine” hands.
Reference 842114, the collection's centerpiece, captivates with its integrated gold bracelet and sunray dial with changing reflections. In today's market, these sophisticated timepieces are attracting a new generation of collectors who appreciate their minimalist design.
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Pre-owned watches :