Watch | A Piece of Universe on Your Wrist - Universal Geneve
In the mid-’80s, just years before the company’s failure, Musée International d’Horlogerie commissioned Universal Geneve and Franklin Mint to design and build a beautiful skeleton watch in 18K gold, and with a limited production of only 3000 pieces (a small number at its time, a time when “limited edition” hadn’t been abused shamelessly by all brands as a sales strategy).
The movement of the watch is a 2-42 Universal Geneve caliber with beautiful hand engraving, housed in a solid 18k gold case with an onyx crown. The smart design of the dial also lends practicality compared to other skeleton watches, which are always breathtaking to look at, but quite hard to tell the actual time. Its selling price was roughly $3500, a hefty number considering a Rolex date just starter at $1200 in the same period.
Only 3000 pieces were commissioned, one of which is in the museum's permanent collection.
Hand engraving of the movement.
On the cover. Notice that the listing specifically states it is a men’s watch, making it probably one of the very first men’s watches worn by empowered women along with their big-shouldered jackets.
Universal Geneve?
The brand won’t be a stranger to any watch lovers but may be unfamiliar to newcomers. Founded in 1894, it was one of the most innovative, high-end watchmakers, setting its footprint permanently in the watch world for achievements such as creating the first chronograph wristwatch, the invention of the micro-rotor, etc. It was also granted a royal warrant by Queen Wilhelmina of Holland in 1939. The praised company failed to pass the test of the “quartz crisis”, but came back to life after being bought by a Hong Kong investment firm.
Musée International d’Horlogerie?
Founded in 1902 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, is home to perhaps the largest collection of clocks, watches, and all things related, it is still to this day, the best museum for any true watch aficionado.
Franklin Mint?
Most people would never have heard of it these days. It was a rather famous American company focused on coinage and jewelry. Amazingly, It is still around today, selling special coins and old trinkets.
Universal Geneve - An Extremely Rare "International Museum of Horology Special Edition" Skeleton Watch | 30mm Dial | 18k Gold Case | Mechanical Movement | Sapphire Crystal.
Condition: All original, used in fair condition.
Every watch from our collection goes thru a rigorous check by trusted experts, and comes with a guarantee of authenticity, the conditions of each watch will also be thoroughly checked and clearly stated.
For price or trying on, please contact our customer service or simply come to our shop. We also offer trade-in service.
