Description
Numa Emile Descombes and Ulysse Georges Perret created Universal Genève in 1894 in Le Locle (Neuchâtel, Switzerland). Under the leadership of the son of the founder, the company changed its name to Universal Watch Co. Ltd. and thrived during the years 1930-1960. The watches were signed “Universal Genève” and distinguished by their elegance and technicality. Several legendary models appeared during this time: Compax, Aero-Compax and Tri-Compax (1930-40), Polerouter (1954) and Microtor UG 66 (1966).
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Universal was owned by New York-based Bulova, which expanded the brand’s influence into the Japanese and North American markets. After a difficult period in the 1980s and 1990s, Universal Genève released a series of watches with a new micro-rotor caliber that was based on the company’s earlier success with the Microtor. Although still headquartered in Geneva, Universal Genève was purchased in 1989 by a Hong Kong-based investment firm. Universal Genève continues to offer new watch models that are largely based on their micro-rotor and are primarily available in Hong-Kong, Singapore, Thailand, China and Malaysia. Their vintage models are of course available worldwide and are highly praised and sought after by collectors of fine vintage watches.