Description

Universal Ref. 18507 18ct gold vintage wristwatch, hallmarked 1952
A rare 18ct yellow gold rectangular wristwatch  

The 1940s and 1950s saw some of the most attractive and beautiful rectangular wristwatch case designs appear on the market. This rare model by Universal has an 18ct yellow gold case with wonderful detailing to either end of the case. The silvered dial has a combination of gold foil Arabic numerals and recessed gilded dots – there is very light oxidation to the dial surface.

Universal was originally founded in 1894 in Le Locle, Switzeland, by Ulysse Georges Perret (1868-1933) and Numa Emile Descombes (1863-1897). The firm’s head office was moved to Geneva between 1918 & 1919. It was during the 1930s, 40s and 50s that Universal released some of their most creative models. Today, the watchmaker is best known for its complication wristwatches, notably its Compax models with combinations of chronographs and calendars.

Technical details

[M] Universal tonneau-form calibre 240, lever escapement, 15 jewels, compensation balance, 18,000 BPH [D] silvered, gilt foil Arabic/baton and recessed gilded dot hour indexes [C] 18ct gold rectangular case with rounded twin-step bezel and rounded down-turned lugs, snap-on case back, Swiss hallmarks to inside back, the outside back with Dublin import hallmarks for 1952 [S] case, dial and movement signed

Measurements

Length including lugs: 41.5mm
Length excluding lugs: 29.5mm
Width excluding crown: 22mm
Depth to centre of crystal: 8mm
Strap width/lug gauge: 16mm

This watch has been fully serviced and is sold with a one year guarantee. A Black Bough leather watch pouch and detailed certificate will accompany this watch.

£1,450.00 [Sold]