THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: UNIVERSAL GENEVE
MODEL: 212156
YEAR: 1952
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 34mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

It’s hardly a secret that Universal Genève is one of our favourite brands here at Falco. Once one of the best-kept secrets among vintage watch enthusiasts, the brand’s recent revival has finally returned the spotlight to a manufacture that always deserved more recognition.

As a result, vintage UG prices have seen a steady surge, most notably for flagship models such as the Polerouter and the various Compax's. But there is far more to vintage UG. Across the few decades the brand was active, it produced a remarkably diverse catalogue of well-made watches, many of which remain excellent value today.

The watch we have here hails from the post-war era and is a charming time-only dress piece. Its 34 mm round case, spearhead markers, and sub-seconds at six o’clock evoke design cues reminiscent of Omega Seamasters and Rolex Oysters of the same period. Despite being over 70 years old, the watch is in fantastic condition. The dial has developed a striking creamy patina, with all radium lume intact and aged to a warm pumpkin hue. The case is particularly sharp, with caseback engravings that look as though they just left the factory.

Inside, the Caliber 262 is running beautifully at +5 seconds per day with 250 amplitude and a 0.4 ms beat error. A wonderful watch full of vintage charm, and displaying autumnal tones that make it all the more special.