Universal Geneve
Geneva, Switzerland
The mid-20th century saw Universal Genève reach its zenith, a period during which the company became renowned for its elegant chronographs and innovative designs. The brand was founded in 1894. Iconic models such as the Compax (1944), one of the first chronographs with three sub-dials, and the Polerouter (1954), which was designed by the young Gérald Genta, are now highly sought-after collector's items. In 1966, the company broke records with its ultra-thin Calibre 66 automatic movement. Until the early 1990s, the brand was synonymous with technical expertise and stylistic elegance. Despite revival attempts, the brand disappeared from the market for decades but was acquired by Breitling in 2023 with a relaunch planned for 2026. Although it is less visible today than other heritage brands, Universal Genève remains a symbol of the golden age of chronographs.
