Universal Genève FS Mark 2 Steel — Ferrovie dello Stato (1964-1975)

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An FS Mark 2, the service watch of the Italian railways

This Universal Genève watch is an “FS” — Ferrovie dello Stato, the Italian State Railways, which had the Geneva house produce, from 1964 to 1975, the issued watches given to their agents. An administrative watch with exacting specifications: complete legibility, robust mechanics, a case designed for service — signed by one of the great houses of Genève, today revived by Breitling. This one is a Mark 2, the second generation with a tonneau case.

The white dial follows the specifications to the letter: twelve black Arabic numerals in relief, crisp like print characters, a fine minute track, a sub-seconds at six o’clock marked in fifteen-second intervals, and two slender black hands. The U shield and the full signature sit beneath twelve o’clock — nothing else. It is the legibility of a station platform, worn on the wrist.

The tonneau case in brushed steel, measuring 36mm — the design specific to the Mark 2 — encloses the dial within a solid middle case, with short lugs blended into the whole. The steel caseback bears the allocation number engraved by the railway administration: the identity card of each FS, which has followed the watch since its assignment.

The Universal Genève caliber 84, a manufacture hand-wound mechanical movement, has been serviced by our partner watchmakers and is guaranteed for one year. The watch is fitted with a later black crocodile-pattern leather strap, with Buckle in steel.

Three points to note

Why choose an Universal Genève FS?

This pre-owned Universal Genève watch holds a singular place among men’s and women’s vintage watches: it is a watch with a story — a state order, real use, a number that attests to it — in a 36mm case with proportions that feel perfectly current. The FS have become cult favorites among Italian collectors, and the revival of the house under the wing of Breitling carries all the appeal of Universal Genève vintage.

Like all our vintage mechanical watches, this one has been opened and checked by our partner watchmakers: verification of the movement, examination of the dial, hands and case. Each vintage watch we offer comes with an Atelier Victor invoice Atelier Victor serving as a certificate, a one-year guarantee, and lifetime-guaranteed authenticity.

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Technical specifications

• Brand: Universal Genève
• Model: FS Ferrovie dello Stato, Mark 2
• FS issue number: 0814••
• Estimated year: 1964 to 1975
• Origin: Switzerland
• Gender: Men's and women's watch (Unisex)
• Movement: Mechanical hand-wound, manufacture caliber Universal Genève 84, serviced
• Functions: Hours, minutes, sub-seconds
• Case: Brushed steel, steel caseback engraved with the issue number, tonneau shape
• Diameter: 36mm (38.4mm with the crown)
• Lug to lug: 41mm
• Thickness: 10mm
• Lug width: 19mm
• Crown: Fluted, original
• Dial: White, raised black Arabic numerals, sub-seconds at 6 o'clock, original
• Hands: Black tapered, original
• Crystal: Acrylic (condition 7/10)
• Strap: Black crocodile-style leather, not original
• Buckle: Steel, not original

Condition and guarantee

• General condition: Very well preserved. The original white dial shows a light, even patina born of its decades; numerals, minute track and sub-seconds are crisp, and the hands are intact. The brushed case shows fine signs of wear, visible in our photographs. The acrylic Crystal shows light marks, rated 7/10.
• Water resistance: Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
• Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee
• Mechanical: Serviced movement, guaranteed for 1 year
• Included: Atelier Victor invoice Atelier Victor, protective case
• Not included: Original box and papers

Frequently asked questions

What is an FS watch?
FS stands for Ferrovie dello Stato: the Italian State Railways. From 1964 to 1975, the administration had the watches issued to its staff — railway workers, stationmasters, inspectors — produced by Universal Genève. Each example bears on the case back the inventory number engraved by the administration. Long kept in Italy, these watches have become cult pieces among collectors, who seek out their regulation dials and their service history.

What distinguishes the Mark 2 from the first generation?
The first generation of FS watches, round in shape, dates from the 1960s; the Mark 2 succeeded it with a 36mm tonneau case whose lugs are integrated into the middle case — a design of its era, and proportions that correspond exactly to current standards. The specifications, however, remained unchanged: white dial, black numerals, sub-seconds, manufacture movement.

What does the number engraved on the case back represent?
It is the issue number assigned by Ferrovie dello Stato: each watch issued to an employee was entered into the administration's inventory under its own number, engraved on the case back. It is the identity card of FS watches — it attests to the piece's service origin and has followed it since its assignment. We communicate it in full to the buyer.

How do you wind a hand-wound watch?
Gently turn the crown clockwise, about twenty turns, until you feel resistance. Never force it beyond that point. Daily winding, at the same time each day, is enough to keep the watch running and ensures the best regularity.

Is this piece suitable for a slim or large wrist?
With a 36mm diameter, 41mm Lug-to-lug, and 10mm thickness, it suits wrists of approximately 15 to 19cm — a guideline, never a rule: everyone wears what they like. Its solid tonneau case gives it real presence, in proportions that have become exactly today's once again. The Lug width measures 19mm.

A piece selected by Atelier Victor

Authenticated, inspected, and photographed by our team. As each sale is final, our team remains available 7 days a week on WhatsApp to answer your questions, share additional photos, or a video of the piece in hand — so that you can make your choice with complete peace of mind.

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