What do you think of Universal Geneve?
What do you think of Universal Geneve?
Author
Discussion

JRewing

Original Poster:

17,547 posts

203 months

Saturday 5th October 2013
quotequote all
It's one of those brands I just don't really know, but they have a couple of interesting designs, in my opinion. I'm looking at a couple of quartz models.
And the prices seem low (but with much higher original RRP). Are they one of those brands with pie-in-the-sky gimmick RRPs as a marketing ploy?

Thanks.

Variomatic

2,392 posts

185 months

Saturday 5th October 2013
quotequote all
Don't know anout their current offerings or business model, but they used to be a very well respected quality brand.

Sadly, the over-inflated RRP seems to be endemic nowadays ever since Klaus Kobec et al started coming out with their "£500 rrp, yours for 80 quid" ranges of £20 watches frown

JRewing

Original Poster:

17,547 posts

203 months

Saturday 5th October 2013
quotequote all
They don't seem to have updated their website since 2009, but they do have some nice watches listed there.

All of the references I find online seem to be pre-1970s. It seems that after this they just started producing quartz tat, but there are some really handsome automatics on their website.

JRewing

Original Poster:

17,547 posts

203 months

Saturday 5th October 2013
quotequote all
http://www.chrono24.com/en/universalgenve/compax-c...

This looks very nice to me.

Like a dressy Speedmaster Professional.

And I'm tempted to try one of these at £150:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/380536214851?ssPageName=...

andy_s

19,822 posts

283 months

Saturday 5th October 2013
quotequote all
The desirable/good vintage UGs are probably the Polerouter, the aero & tri-compaxs and the Spacecompax models. I'd love a UG Cairelli or Spacecompax, but they are getting expensive.



Great forum here - http://omegaforums.net/forums/universal-geneve-for...

JRewing

Original Poster:

17,547 posts

203 months

Sunday 6th October 2013
quotequote all
Thanks, I've just had a browse! That forum isn't terribly active though....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360554312925?ssPageName=...

Is it just me or does this have something of the modified Rolex Oysterquartz about it?
I quite like it....

Vvroom

1,170 posts

214 months

Sunday 6th October 2013
quotequote all
JRewing said:
Thanks, I've just had a browse! That forum isn't terribly active though....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360554312925?ssPageName=...

Is it just me or does this have something of the modified Rolex Oysterquartz about it?
I quite like it....
I know what you mean. Very Gerald Genta- esque.

Inspire

396 posts

203 months

Friday 17th April
quotequote all
The brand is being relaunched by Brietling, who have bought the brand. I went to a (semi) launch event on Tuesday in Lucerne. They seem to be pitching it at Rolex and above - anyone fancy 350,000 Swiss francs for a watch?

https://www.universalgeneve.com/en