Universal Genève Watch 842605 Steel — Roman Dial Manual (1970s)
Only 1 available
Shipping from Europe — taxes and customs duties are the buyer's responsibility outside the EU
Lifetime authenticity guarantee
Serviced movement & 1 year warranty
International shipping
Photo taken on a 17.5 cm wrist
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Universal Genève steel: the small Swiss dress watch with Roman dial and manufacture caliber
This watch is signed Universal Genève, one of the great Swiss watch manufactures, founded in 1894 and renowned for its Polerouter and its Compax chronographs. This piece captures that spirit in a delicate dress format. Suitable for either sex provided the wrist is slim, it can be worn equally well by a woman or a man. Its round steel case, with a slim bezel and tapered faceted lugs, measures 22mm (23.6mm with the crown) for a Lug-to-lug of 28.2mm and a thickness of only 6.3mm. A piece of great finesse, in the purest tradition of the de ville watch.
The white lacquered dial is of pared-back classicism. Black Roman numerals run around its edge, framing the "U" logo in its shield, the signature of Universal Genève, topped by the words UNIVERSAL and GENÈVE. The word SWISS appears at the bottom of the dial. Two fine blackened baton hands are enough: no seconds hand, no date, only the essentials, in a design of great restraint.
Inside beats the Universal Genève manufacture caliber 1-42, a hand-wound mechanical movement made in-house by the brand from 1975 onward, heir to caliber 42 and the earlier caliber 820. Beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, it features a slim construction that allows the watch's elegant profile. No battery here: the watch is wound by hand, every morning. The movement of this example has been serviced by our watchmaker.
On the wrist, the piece wears like a timeless de ville watch. The polished steel and white Roman dial create an ensemble of great restraint, highlighted here by an anthracite gray crocodile-style leather. This strap is not original. The 10mm Lug width directs the choice of replacement straps toward very slim widths.
Three points to note
- The watch is equipped with the manufacture caliber 1-42, a movement made in-house by Universal Genève: a true mark of watchmaking quality on an accessible piece.
- The watch is a hand-wound mechanical: it must be wound daily to run. It is neither an automatic nor a quartz.
- The dial shows age spots and the acrylic Crystal some scratches, consistent with the age of the piece. We prefer to mention this rather than embellish it.
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Technical specifications
- Brand: Universal Genève
- Model: Dress watch, Roman dial
- Reference: 842605
- Estimated year: 1970s
- Origin: Switzerland
- Gender: Women's watch
- Movement: Hand-wound mechanical, Universal Genève manufacture caliber 1-42, 21,600 vph
- Functions: Hours, minutes
- Case: Steel (steel caseback), round shape
- Dimensions: 22mm (23.6mm with the crown)
- Lug to lug: 28.2mm
- Thickness: 6.3mm (Crystal included)
- Lug width: 10mm
- Crown: Steel, original
- Dial: White lacquered, black Roman numerals, U Universal Genève logo, Swiss mention, original
- Hands: Blackened batons (hours, minutes), original
- Crystal: Acrylic (condition 6/10, signs of wear scratches)
- Strap: Anthracite grey crocodile-effect leather, not original
- Buckle: Pin buckle, not original
Condition and warranty
- General condition: Good overall condition for its age. Case steel case, original dial showing age spots, notably around 6 o'clock and at the center. The acrylic Crystal shows signs of wear scratches (6/10). An authentic piece that has lived, honestly described.
- Water resistance: Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
- Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee
- Mechanics: Serviced movement, guaranteed for 1 year
- Included: Atelier Victor invoice, protective case
- Not included: Original box and papers
Frequently asked questions
What is Universal Genève?
Universal Genève is a Swiss watch manufacture founded in 1894, one of the most respected of the 20th century. It is behind iconic models such as the Polerouter, designed by Gérald Genta, and the Compax chronographs. Long nicknamed “the couturier of the watch,” the brand has recently enjoyed a revival. This ladies' piece is an elegant and accessible gateway into it.
Is this watch automatic or quartz?
Neither: it is a hand-wound mechanical watch. It is powered by the in-house Universal Genève 1-42 calibre, manufactured internally by the brand, which must be wound by hand once a day by turning the crown. There is neither battery nor automatic rotor. This operating mode has become rare, and is one of the attractions of this piece for lovers of traditional mechanics.
What condition is the dial in?
The dial is original and shows age spots, visible notably around 6 o'clock and at the center, as well as a few scratches on the acrylic Crystal. We point this out with full transparency: this is an authentic piece that has lived, not a restored dial. These marks are part of the charm of a vintage watch and do not affect its operation.
Is this Universal Genève water-resistant?
No. Water resistance is never guaranteed on a vintage watch: the original gaskets have aged and the pressure of the caseback is no longer what it was on day one. Avoid the shower, the pool, and the sea. Simple contact with rainwater, however, is not a problem.
What wrist does this watch suit?
With a 22mm case and a Lug-to-lug of 28.2mm, this is ideally a delicate piece, made for slim wrists. That said, a watch is also a matter of style: depending on taste and the desired look, it can be worn equally well by a woman or by a man with a slim wrist who appreciates small dress watches. The measurement is only a guide, never a rule.
Mechanical warranty — 1 year
Each watch is inspected by our watchmakers before shipping. In case of a mechanism malfunction during the first year, we cover the repair.
Authenticity warranty — lifetime
If a watch turns out to be non-authentic, we will take it back and refund you in full. Without time limit.
What is not covered
- Exposure to water or humidity
- Shocks, impacts, or vibrations
- Consumable parts (strap, Crystal, crown, pushers)
- Battery replacement (quartz movements)
- Opening or disassembly of the watch by a third party
- Improper use
The accuracy of vintage watches varies according to the model, movement, and year of production. A request for accuracy improvement deemed within acceptable tolerances cannot be covered by the warranty.
Shipping fees
After-sales service is free. Shipping fees outside the United Arab Emirates remain the responsibility of the customer.
Authentication Process
Each watch is examined by our partner watchmakers before being offered for sale: verification of authenticity, checking the conformity of the components, identification of any modification or replacement of original parts.
If any element has been replaced during the life of the watch (dial, hands, crown, Crystal, strap), we systematically indicate it in the product sheet. You buy knowing the exact history of your piece.
Certificate of Authenticity
Your Atelier Victor invoice serves as a certificate of authenticity: it attests to the origin and conformity of the piece, and is covered by our lifetime authenticity guarantee — if a piece sold by Atelier Victor were found to be non-authentic, it would be fully refunded, with no time limit.
We accept several payment methods:
- Bank card (Visa, Mastercard — American Express not accepted)
- Bank transfer (AED, EUR, USD)
- Cryptocurrency (USDT, USDC)
- PayPal
Other currencies accepted upon request. Exchange fees of approximately 3% may apply.
A 3% discount is granted for any payment by bank transfer starting from €1,000.
Does the strap not suit you? Add the strap of your choice to your order: we will fit it to your watch before shipment, at no fitting charge.
International Shipping
Shipped within 48 to 72 business hours by DHL Express or an equivalent carrier depending on the destination. Delivery in 2 to 6 business days. Each shipment is insured and delivered against signature.
- Free delivery from €1,000 of purchase, as well as on the Jewelry Atelier Victor
- Tracking number sent as soon as the shipment is dispatched
- For certain destinations, delivery may be made to a secure collection point in order to guarantee the integrity of the shipment
Pickup in Dubai
Hand delivery by appointment in Downtown, Dubai. Make an appointment.
Taxes and Customs
The shipping origin is indicated on each product sheet. If the delivery country differs from the shipping country, customs duties and taxes may apply upon receipt, at the buyer's expense. In exceptional situations, customs checks may extend the delivery time, regardless of our wishes and those of the carrier.
For full details, please consult our shipping policy.
FINAL SALES
All sales are final: no return, exchange, or cancellation is accepted after order confirmation. Each piece is authenticated, inspected, and described in detail before being offered for sale.
BEFORE PURCHASE
Our advisors remain at your disposal for any questions and can send you additional photographs or videos upon simple request, by email or on WhatsApp.
NON-CONFORMING ITEM
In the exceptional case of an item that does not match its listing, please notify us within 72 hours: it will be eligible for a refund or an exchange. If the parcel shows damage upon delivery, it should be refused or its opening filmed continuously.
For full details, please consult our return policy.
A piece selected by Atelier Victor
Authenticated, checked, and photographed by us. As all sales are 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 your choice can be made with complete peace of mind.
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