Hodinkee
Universal Genève Unveils Trio Of Polerouter Tribute Watches Ahead Of 2026 Relaunch
Using the past as a hint for what is yet to come, Universal Genève previews the brand's new direction.
Results for Universal Genève
1,504 articles · 97 videos found · page 2 of 54
Hodinkee
Monochrome
News – Universal Genève Teases its 2026 Return, with Three 70th Anniversary Polerouter SAS Tribute Watches
The Polerouter is, without a doubt, one of the most emblematic watches ever created by Universal Genève. Not only was it designed by young Gérald Genta, but it was powered by an important micro-rotor movement and was a purpose-built watch created by request of SAS, asking Universal Genève to create a watch that could support […]
Hodinkee
Video: Talking Universal Genève With Collector Alessandro Fanciulli
Digging through Universal Genève's incredibly varied history with the Italian dealer and collector.
Time+Tide
Universal Genève announces new release date, logo, and launches new website
UG puts an end to speculation by announcing first new release date.The post Universal Genève announces new release date, logo, and launches new website appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
Universal Genève Returns with Gregory Bruttin at the Helm
Having been acquired last year by Breitling’s private equity owners, Universal Genève is now officially back in business with both a new chief as well as website – though the new watches will only arrive in autumn 2026. Breitling chief executive Georges Kern takes the same role at Universal, but the managing director will be Gregory Bruttin, a two-decade veteran of Roger Dubuis who was its longtime head of product. An engineer and constructor by training, Mr Bruttin will oversee the development of Universal’s new collection of watches. A once-storied brand founded in 1894, Universal has been dormant for a decade or more. While its historical timepieces like the Tri-Compax and A. Cairelli split-seconds are desirable, the brand has not launched a hit product in a long time. The Tri-Compax Mr Bruttin has no doubt been tasked to fix that. His technical credentials are impeccable – he led the creation of an impressive stable of in-house movements at Roger Dubuis, though his past work was far from the heritage-focused brand that Universal will be. While challenging, Mr Bruttin’s job will be made easier by the fact that Breitling has its own manufacture and corresponding in-house chronograph calibres. The 1950s split-seconds chronograph made for the Italian air force While the launch of the rebooted brand’s first collection is still two years away, Universal is embarking on an immediate plan of brand building. In November the brand will mark the 70th anniversary of t...
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Universal Geneve Polerouter Homage La Joux Perret Automatic Charles Berret Odessey Collection Darth
Fratello
Gearing Up For The Revival Of Universal Genève - Some History And What To Expect
It has been the better part of a year since Partners Group and CVC Group - the owners of Breitling - announced their acquisition of Universal Genève. Things may have been quiet on the outside, but rest assured plenty was going on behind closed doors. Now we are close to seeing the first fruits of […] Visit Gearing Up For The Revival Of Universal Genève - Some History And What To Expect to read the full article.
Deployant
Universal Genève unveils its new website
Universal Genève introduces a new website and social media channels, revealing the identity under new ownership. Release information with commentary.
Fratello
Pre-Owned Spotlight: Universal Genève Classics To Buy Before The Brand Returns
At the end of last year, Breitling announced that it had acquired Universal Genève. That move caused excitement within the watch community, mainly because UG’s vintage watches are highly esteemed. The fact that a respected brand like Breitling is now involved in resurrecting UG seems promising. But we’ll probably have to wait a few more […] Visit Pre-Owned Spotlight: Universal Genève Classics To Buy Before The Brand Returns to read the full article.
Time+Tide
What would a return of the Universal Genève Polerouter look like?
With Breitling's acquisition of the brand, is the return of a mid-century classic on the cards?The post What would a return of the Universal Genève Polerouter look like? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
A month with my $7 18k gold Universal Genève
The end to Buffy's saga with the little white gold Universal Genève is here, at least for now.The post A month with my $7 18k gold Universal Genève appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Video
CEO Georges Kern Discusses Breitling And The Relaunch of Universal Genève | Hodinkee Radio
Time+Tide
My DIY restoration of a solid gold Universal Genève that cost $7
Buffy gives their Universal Genève some much-needed TLC. But is a $5 crystal a step too far in this ultra-budget journey?The post My DIY restoration of a solid gold Universal Genève that cost $7 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Vintage Watches: A Universal Genève Microtor Dress Watch In 9K Gold
Today, we’ll take a look at a relatively nondescript Universal Genève Microtor dress watch. It’s worth a deeper look for several reasons, though. The condition, the case material, and the purpose for its existence all come together to create a lovely package. This is a lovely piece on its own, but why not explore the […] Visit Vintage Watches: A Universal Genève Microtor Dress Watch In 9K Gold to read the full article.
Hodinkee
HODINKEE Radio: An Interview With CEO Georges Kern On Breitling And The Relaunch of Universal Genève
For the first time, the Breitling CEO discusses the Universal Genève Acquisition; then, we look back at his tenure at Breitling so far.
Time+Tide
I bought a solid gold Universal Genève for less than a Big Mac
Finding a vintage Universal Genève in solid gold for less than the price of a Big Mac does sound fanciful, but in this case it did happen!The post I bought a solid gold Universal Genève for less than a Big Mac appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
In-Depth: Restarting Universal Genève Will Be A Challenge; Here's Hoping They Can Pull It Off
Breitling's acquisition of the beloved Universal Genève brand is exciting for fans, but there are a lot of potential pitfalls ahead.
Video
The Latest Blancpain X Swatch, Breitling Acquires Universal Geneve & More | Hodinkee Radio
Time+Tide
5 of our favourite Universal Genève references
Borna explores some unexpected and rare Universal Genève models, alongside fan-favourites.The post 5 of our favourite Universal Genève references appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Monochrome
Industry News – Breitling Acquires Historic Brand Universal Genève
Despite being barely existent anymore or now a memory from the past, some brands continue to live within the collecting community, benefitting from a certain aura. One of these brands is Universal Genève, a once-prominent manufacturer known for its innovative designs (the Polerouter or the Tri-Compax, to name a few) and technically advanced movements (the […]
Worn & Wound
The Universal Genève Polerouter Gets the Reference Treatment in a Gorgeous New Book Covering the Enormous Breadth of the Collection
Over the last several years, something has happened to the humble Universal Geneve Polerouter. This watch, once a go-to recommendation for collector’s looking to get their feet wet in the world of vintage, has risen in stature, value, and overall name recognition as the watch market has expanded. As with any niche hobby that, over time, approaches the mainstream, hidden gems become less hidden. The Polerouter, while not a household name like the Speedmaster or Submariner, is not nearly as under the radar as it used to be. While those of us who have been around this stuff for years might mourn the availability of great examples of the Polerouter on the cheap, it’s hard not to be happy that people are discovering and appreciating the watch. As a gateway to the hobby, and vintage specifically, it’s a collection that could lead a curious collector down any number of paths, each one rewarding in a different way. That’s because there are so many ways to approach the Polerouter: as a creation from the mind of the biggest name in the history of watch design, as an elegant sports watch that helped set a template for some of the most popular watches of the current era, and as an uncommon mechanical triumph. And, of course, it’s still a relatively accessible piece of a key part of watch history, and a great representation of Universal Geneve, a brand that exists today as a time capsule. Perhaps one of the clearest signals that the Polerouter has crossed a threshold of s...
SJX Watches
Book Review: ‘The Polerouter’, a Universal Genève Odyssey
The Polerouter. By Andrew Willis and Mattia Mazzucchi. Time Honoured Ltd. £225. A timepiece intertwined with the allure of pioneering trans-polar flights flown by Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), the Universal Genève Polerouter is a symbol of 1950s glamour and adventure. Ardent Polerouter enthusiasts Andrew Willis and Mattia Mazzucchi embarked on a collaborative journey four years ago on comprehensive book dedicated to the iconic watch, aptly titled The Polerouter. The book delves into the fascinating world of the Polerouter, a timepiece fondly regarded by many in the world of vintage watches. This is demonstrated in the forewords written by individuals like John Goldberger, author and collector; Virginie Liatard-Roessli, watch specialist at Phillips; and Alessandro Fanciulli, a well-known social media figure and dealer better known as “Mr A”. The authors themselves, however, are scholars but amateurs – Mr Willis is a mathematician while Mr Mazzucchi is a nautical interior designer. The narrative unfolds across various chapters, each dedicated to a specific model, highlighting key milestones in the Polerouter’s evolution. Across almost 400 pages, the authors meticulously document each model’s distinct characteristics, from the SAS Polarouter to the Polerouter Sub. The information unfolds chronologically, beginning with the SAS Polarouter and systematically exploring each Polerouter model. Notably, the book intentionally omits esoteric models such as the P...
Monochrome
Book Review – The Polerouter Book, Celebrating the History, Design and Diversity of the Iconic Universal Genève Watch
While the Polerouter by Universal Genève has long been a favourite watch among collectors, its extensive production in various executions has made it accessible for enthusiasts to discover rare or low-production models. However, with the rising popularity of the watch among new collectors, the landscape is evolving, and the thirst for information is growing. To […]
Video
Breitling relaunching Universal Geneve: How?
Worn & Wound
eBay Finds: Squale, Universal Geneve, and More Vintage LED Discoveries
eBay Finds is back! This bi-monthly installment will feature a selection of watches currently listed on eBay that have caught the eye of editor Christoph McNeil (@vintagediver). If you come across any hidden gems on the ‘Bay drop us a note at info@wornandwound.com for potential inclusion! Vintage Universal Geneve Polerouter With eBay, some weeks are slim pickin’s and some weeks the bounty is plentiful. This week it’s the latter. Starting off this week with a bang, with this amazing vintage Universal Geneve Polerouter with Microtor movement. This example is the classic black dialed, no date version and it is stunning. Gerald Genta’s Polerouter design is an absolute masterclass on aesthetic design. From those sexy bombe lungs to the crosshair black dial with the signature fluted outer dial ring down to the Universal Geneve signed crown and Polerouter logo caseback, it’s just pure beauty. This example looks to be all original and in very good condition with the only issue I see being there is some corrosion on the hands. The watch needs an external cleaning to be sure, but I love finding vintage watches with all the funk on them, it just means it was worn and loved and hasn’t been messed with! If you’ve been wanting one of these, take a close look at this gem! View auction here. Vintage Seiko Chronograph 6139 How do you follow a vintage Polerouter? With arguably one of the most famous and popular Seiko chronographs, that’s how! This vintage Seiko 6139-6005 ...
Time+Tide
WHAT IF… Universal Genève was revived?
Universal Genève’s story is one of the highest of highs and lowest of lows. The brand experienced fruitful periods for much of its lifetime, only to become a victim of several unsuccessful post-quartz crisis revivals. Multiple star athletes, musical icons and toppled dictators all sported Universal Genève watches in some capacity, a few becoming heroes … ContinuedThe post WHAT IF… Universal Genève was revived? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Every Watch Tells A Story: How Borna got lucky with his Universal Genève Polerouter
It was the end of last year at the Time+Tide Club party. Drinks were poured and Santa hats were circulated. Watches were admired and discussed. There were further drinks. Impressed by the horological range on display, Andrew suddenly decided we should shoot some video of different people discussing their watches and unpacking the personal stories … ContinuedThe post Every Watch Tells A Story: How Borna got lucky with his Universal Genève Polerouter appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The three watches Nick wore most in 2020: Grand Seiko, Seiko and Universal Geneve
In 2020, everything was different. The way we worked. The way we socialised. And even the way we wore watches. If you only ever got your dress watch out of the safe for a black tie event, it’s likely you didn’t touch it at all last year. I heard stories of people who used to … ContinuedThe post The three watches Nick wore most in 2020: Grand Seiko, Seiko and Universal Geneve appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
This curiously affordable gold Universal Genève owned by Elvis Presley is up for sale (again)
You may have heard the news that Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson contracted coronavirus while filming the untitled Elvis Presley biopic in Australia; they are both reportedly recovering well, but Elvis fanatics will be champing at the bit for the production to ramp back up. It, like life as we know it, has … ContinuedThe post This curiously affordable gold Universal Genève owned by Elvis Presley is up for sale (again) appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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