Universal Genève - Caliber 1-42 - No reserve price - 542114 - Men - 1970-1979
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 | €130 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €120 | |
| €110 | |
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Universal Genève Caliber 1-42, reference 542114, a 1970s manual-wind dress watch in a 28 mm gold-plated case with a leather strap, in very good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Now available at auction from Second Vintage
This classic and elegant Universal Geneve dress watch presents a striking dark grey dial defined by a beautiful vertical brushed finish. Housed in a traditional square case, this timepiece offers a refined aesthetic powered by the reliable Universal Geneve caliber 1-42 manual winding movement.
Brand: Universal Geneve
Reference Number: 542114
Serial Number: 3051475
Movement: Manual winding, Universal Geneve caliber 1-42, 17 jewels
Dial: Dark grey with a vertical brushed finish and applied gold-tone Roman numerals
Case Size: 28mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Gold-tone, stainless steel caseback
Production Year: 1970s
Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -2-5s/day, performing remarkably well.
Dial and Hands
The watch features a well-preserved dark grey dial characterized by a striking vertical brushed texture that interacts beautifully with the light. Applied gold-tone Roman numerals are positioned at twelve, three, six, and nine o'clock, complementing the printed gold-tone Universal Geneve logo and text. The dial surface remains very clean, showing minimal signs of aging and offering an excellent visual presence. Time is indicated by gold-tone baton hands, which display some visible oxidation and minor surface scratches, showing light age-related wear consistent with the vintage nature of the watch.
Case and Crystal
The square gold-tone case presents honest wear consistent with its age, featuring visible scratches and minor dings along the surfaces. Some plating wear is noticeable on the edges and lugs. The stainless steel caseback remains clearly defined, displaying the crisp reference and serial numbers. A gold-tone knurled crown is fitted to the side of the case. The domed acrylic crystal is clear, exhibiting some minor surface scratches visible under certain lighting conditions.
Movement
Inside the case beats the Universal Geneve caliber 1-42 manual winding movement, featuring seventeen jewels. The movement plates and bridges are clean, displaying clear engravings including the Universal Geneve name, Swiss origin, and unadjusted status. The visible jewels and gears appear in good condition, with only minor scratches present on the metal surfaces. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The recorded timegrapher measurement is -2-5s/day.
Strap
The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrast stitching. The used leather strap shows signs of previous wear and creasing across the material.
Condition
Good vintage condition. The dark grey vertical brushed dial remains excellently preserved, while the hands show natural oxidation. The gold-tone case displays visible scratches, minor dings, and plating wear on the edges and lugs, representing honest wear from regular use. The domed acrylic crystal has minor surface scratches. Supported by the recorded timegrapher result, the movement is performing very strongly.
Dimensions
The case size measures 28mm (excluding the crown).
Remarks
This Universal Geneve offers an attractive dial texture and a refined square case profile. The strong performance of the caliber 1-42 manual winding movement makes this a capable and elegant vintage dress watch.
History
Universal Geneve is highly regarded among collectors for its elegant mid-century designs and capable mechanical movements. During the 1970s, the brand produced a variety of refined dress watches that prioritized clean geometric cases and striking dial textures, moving away from purely utilitarian aesthetics toward sophisticated daily wear. The caliber 1-42 is a respected manual winding movement that provided reliable performance, allowing the brand to maintain slimmer case profiles. This era of Universal Geneve represents a traditional approach to watchmaking, maintaining a strong focus on elegant proportions, legible layouts, and lasting mechanical integrity.
Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind.
We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination.
Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age.
We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description.
The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use.
If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: UNI-GXX-0014
Seller's Story
Welcome to Second Vintage. Our weekly selections feature carefully curated vintage timepieces from iconic brands such as Rolex, Omega, Longines, Seiko, and many more. Each watch is thoroughly inspected and always delivered in working condition. We are a team of dedicated vintage watch enthusiasts with deep expertise in the details that truly matter – from reference numbers and movements to authenticity, design, and historical nuance.
With thousands of successful auctions and satisfied customers across the globe, we are proud to be recognized as a Top Seller on Catawiki. Our reputation is built on trust, transparency, and consistent quality. You can bid with confidence knowing that your satisfaction is our highest priority.
We ship quickly and securely, using professional packaging to ensure your watch arrives safely and exactly as described. All items are dispatched within 2–3 business days after payment. In the rare event that something occurs during transport, vintage watches can occasionally be affected by handling. Should an issue arise, we respond promptly and are always ready to assist in finding a solution. Your satisfaction comes first.
Learn more about our brand at Second Vintage
Now available at auction from Second Vintage
This classic and elegant Universal Geneve dress watch presents a striking dark grey dial defined by a beautiful vertical brushed finish. Housed in a traditional square case, this timepiece offers a refined aesthetic powered by the reliable Universal Geneve caliber 1-42 manual winding movement.
Brand: Universal Geneve
Reference Number: 542114
Serial Number: 3051475
Movement: Manual winding, Universal Geneve caliber 1-42, 17 jewels
Dial: Dark grey with a vertical brushed finish and applied gold-tone Roman numerals
Case Size: 28mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Gold-tone, stainless steel caseback
Production Year: 1970s
Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -2-5s/day, performing remarkably well.
Dial and Hands
The watch features a well-preserved dark grey dial characterized by a striking vertical brushed texture that interacts beautifully with the light. Applied gold-tone Roman numerals are positioned at twelve, three, six, and nine o'clock, complementing the printed gold-tone Universal Geneve logo and text. The dial surface remains very clean, showing minimal signs of aging and offering an excellent visual presence. Time is indicated by gold-tone baton hands, which display some visible oxidation and minor surface scratches, showing light age-related wear consistent with the vintage nature of the watch.
Case and Crystal
The square gold-tone case presents honest wear consistent with its age, featuring visible scratches and minor dings along the surfaces. Some plating wear is noticeable on the edges and lugs. The stainless steel caseback remains clearly defined, displaying the crisp reference and serial numbers. A gold-tone knurled crown is fitted to the side of the case. The domed acrylic crystal is clear, exhibiting some minor surface scratches visible under certain lighting conditions.
Movement
Inside the case beats the Universal Geneve caliber 1-42 manual winding movement, featuring seventeen jewels. The movement plates and bridges are clean, displaying clear engravings including the Universal Geneve name, Swiss origin, and unadjusted status. The visible jewels and gears appear in good condition, with only minor scratches present on the metal surfaces. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The recorded timegrapher measurement is -2-5s/day.
Strap
The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrast stitching. The used leather strap shows signs of previous wear and creasing across the material.
Condition
Good vintage condition. The dark grey vertical brushed dial remains excellently preserved, while the hands show natural oxidation. The gold-tone case displays visible scratches, minor dings, and plating wear on the edges and lugs, representing honest wear from regular use. The domed acrylic crystal has minor surface scratches. Supported by the recorded timegrapher result, the movement is performing very strongly.
Dimensions
The case size measures 28mm (excluding the crown).
Remarks
This Universal Geneve offers an attractive dial texture and a refined square case profile. The strong performance of the caliber 1-42 manual winding movement makes this a capable and elegant vintage dress watch.
History
Universal Geneve is highly regarded among collectors for its elegant mid-century designs and capable mechanical movements. During the 1970s, the brand produced a variety of refined dress watches that prioritized clean geometric cases and striking dial textures, moving away from purely utilitarian aesthetics toward sophisticated daily wear. The caliber 1-42 is a respected manual winding movement that provided reliable performance, allowing the brand to maintain slimmer case profiles. This era of Universal Geneve represents a traditional approach to watchmaking, maintaining a strong focus on elegant proportions, legible layouts, and lasting mechanical integrity.
Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind.
We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination.
Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age.
We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description.
The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use.
If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: UNI-GXX-0014
Seller's Story
Welcome to Second Vintage. Our weekly selections feature carefully curated vintage timepieces from iconic brands such as Rolex, Omega, Longines, Seiko, and many more. Each watch is thoroughly inspected and always delivered in working condition. We are a team of dedicated vintage watch enthusiasts with deep expertise in the details that truly matter – from reference numbers and movements to authenticity, design, and historical nuance.
With thousands of successful auctions and satisfied customers across the globe, we are proud to be recognized as a Top Seller on Catawiki. Our reputation is built on trust, transparency, and consistent quality. You can bid with confidence knowing that your satisfaction is our highest priority.
We ship quickly and securely, using professional packaging to ensure your watch arrives safely and exactly as described. All items are dispatched within 2–3 business days after payment. In the rare event that something occurs during transport, vintage watches can occasionally be affected by handling. Should an issue arise, we respond promptly and are always ready to assist in finding a solution. Your satisfaction comes first.
Learn more about our brand at Second Vintage
Details
Brand
Universal Genève
Gender
Men
Model
Caliber 1-42
Reference number
542114
Band material
Leather
Shipped insured
Yes
Period
1970-1979
Repainted dial
No
Movement
Manual winding
Case material
Gold-plated
Original box included
No
Original papers included
No
Case diameter
28 mm
Original warranty included
No
Condition
Very good - minor signs of wear
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