Universal Genève Watch Co: Swiss Heritage and Innovation in Watchmaking

Universal Genève, established in 1894, is a prestigious Swiss luxury watch company renowned for its rich heritage, technical innovation, and elegant designs. Initially founded as Universal Watch by horology students Numa-Émile Descombes and Ulysse Georges Perret in Le Locle, Switzerland, the company quickly evolved into a prominent name in high-quality watchmaking

Key Highlights

Founding and Early Development

Founded on January 18, 1894, as Universal Watch, initially producing cases, dials, and movements.

First patented a 24-hour jumping hour movement and early chronograph with a 30-minute counter introduced in 1897.

Relocated headquarters to Geneva in 1919, embracing the “Genève” prestigious branding; officially renamed Universal Genève in 1937
Pioneering Chronographs and Innovations

Early leader in chronograph development with notable models: Compur (1934), the world’s first two-button chronograph, and Compax (1936), the first wrist chronograph with an hour counter

Introduced the Tri-Compax chronograph in 1944, combining complications like chronograph, calendar, and moon phase, highly prized by collectors

Patented the Microtor (micro-rotor) in the 1950s, an innovative automatic movement with an off-center rotor for slimmer watch designs
Iconic Models and Designers

The Polerouter (originally Polarouter) launched in 1954, designed by famed Gérald Genta at just 23, featured anti-magnetic properties and became iconic for its distinctive “pie pan” dial and micro-rotor movement