Universal Genève is a Swiss luxury watch brand that was founded in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1894. The brand quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality timepieces that were both reliable and accurate.
In the early 20th century, Universal Genève began to focus on the production of chronograph watches, which quickly became a signature of the brand. Universal Genève chronographs were used in a variety of applications, including sports timing, aviation, and military use.
In the 1930s, Universal Genève introduced the Compur, a chronograph watch that featured a central minutes counter, a feature that would later become a standard in many chronograph watches. The Compur was also notable for its elegant design and reliable performance, and quickly became a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Universal Genève introduced a range of new models, including the Polerouter, a watch designed for pilots and travelers, and the Tri-Compax, a chronograph watch with a range of complications including a moon phase indicator and a triple calendar. These watches were highly regarded for their innovative designs and high-quality construction.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Universal Genève continued to produce a range of innovative watches, including the Golden Shadow, a watch with a gold-plated case and a unique sunburst dial, and the Uni-Compax, a chronograph watch with a tachymeter scale and a date function.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Universal Genève continued to produce a range of high-quality watches, but the brand struggled to compete with the rise of quartz watches and the decline of the Swiss watch industry. In 1994, the brand was sold to the Stelux Group, and today Universal Genève watches are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts for their innovative designs, high-quality construction, and historical significance.