1940's Universal Geneve cal. 262

DirtyDozen12 · Jun 7, 2015

After an extended courtship I decided to purchase this 35mm Universal Geneve. I noticed that "GENEVE" does not have an accent. The font looks correct to me but I wondered if anyone could offer some insight. Also, show us your caliber 262 UG's please. 😀

jordn · Jun 7, 2015

I don't have a cal. 262, but my cal. 332 doesn't have an accent over the E either.

The engraving '51330' on the caseback was inexplicably added by a third party, but everything seems to be original. If I were you, I would hold off for a better example though. There is extensive corrosion on inside edge of the caseback, and good examples with cleaner dials can be had for anywhere from 200 to 400 USD

DirtyDozen12 · Jun 7, 2015

The corrosion does not look quite as severe in the metal but I agree that this example has seen better days. I particularly like the dial on this one and have not seen another one quite like it yet. I paid $300 USD which I think is okay given the condition and the size (35mm is nicely oversized for the 1940's).
Thank you for the information.

Tony C. · Jun 7, 2015

I am confident that the dial is correct and original. Accents were almost never consistently used by the various Swiss companies during that era. Even Vacheron was inconsistent.

I think that it is a terrific watch, as the dial design and elongated lugs match really well.

Congratulations!

jordn · Jun 7, 2015

Ah, I misunderstood you. I didn't realize that you had already bought the watch. Photos never do a watch justice and always accentuate "imperfections". Wear it in good health!

DirtyDozen12 · Jun 7, 2015

Tony C.
I am confident that the dial is correct and original. Accents were almost never consistently used by the various Swiss companies during that era. Even Vacheron was inconsistent.

I think that it is a terrific watch, as the dial design and elongated lugs match really well.

Congratulations!

I am surprised that the Swiss of all people lacked consistency. 😉 Thanks for the info and I completely agree about the dial and the lugs.

Jonatan · Nov 7, 2015

Hello gentlemen. I have stumbled on this 262 and would love your opinion on it. The price is very low and I think it could clean up very nicely. The seller mentions the diameter at 32.5 mm. Thanks for the help. Dial looks original and I believe that hands are also but... Also should I be worried about those female springs bars?

Thanks,

J

DirtyDozen12 · Nov 7, 2015

Would need higher quality shots of the dial to confirm its originality. However, the sub seconds hand is too long and does not match the hour/minute hands. The gold filled case and average (small) size are probably why the price is low. Not to mention the somewhat finicky female spring bars and that jaunty looking crown. For me this watch is a pass at any price.

Northernman · Nov 7, 2015

My cal332 have the accent.
Loads of pictures here:
http://watchguy.co.uk/cgi-bin/library?action=show_photos&wat_id=1175

DirtyDozen12 · Nov 7, 2015

Northernman
My cal332 have the accent.
Loads of pictures here:
http://watchguy.co.uk/cgi-bin/library?action=show_photos&wat_id=1175

It is interesting how different the font is on your cal. 332 compared to @jordn's. The "S" in particular is very different.

Northernman · Nov 7, 2015

DirtyDozen12
It is interesting how different the font is on your cal. 332 compared to @jordn's. The "S" in particular is very different.

No real idea why. Could be several years between them?
Mine has a very unworn look to it.
I would be extremely surprised if it's not kosher.

Northernman · Nov 7, 2015

DirtyDozen12 · Nov 7, 2015

I am quite certain that both are original.

It just amazes me how many variations there are in UG dial fonts and details.

Rman · Nov 7, 2015

@DirtyDozen12 Really like the watch, the dial and overall feel of the design. Must have been stunning fresh from the factory.
Hope you enjoy wearing it!

DirtyDozen12 · Nov 7, 2015

@Rman Thank you very much! I am still processing your 13ZN, it is exquisite.

doralamer · Dec 18, 2017

DirtyDozen12
After an extended courtship I decided to purchase this 35mm Universal Geneve. I noticed that "GENEVE" does not have an accent. The font looks correct to me but I wondered if anyone could offer some insight. Also, show us your caliber 262 UG's please. 😀

Late to the party mate but do you have a picture of the crown?

Florent · Dec 18, 2017

DirtyDozen12
After an extended courtship I decided to purchase this 35mm Universal Geneve. I noticed that "GENEVE" does not have an accent. The font looks correct to me but I wondered if anyone could offer some insight. Also, show us your caliber 262 UG's please. 😀

This dial looks perfeclty original 👍

DirtyDozen12 · Dec 18, 2017

D doralamer
Late to the party mate but do you have a picture of the crown?

Crown is unsigned. Not confident that it is original.

Florent
This dial looks perfeclty original 👍

Thanks!

10H10 · Dec 19, 2017

DirtyDozen12
Crown is unsigned. Not confident that it is original.

Thanks!

The crowns were without a logo in 1945, it should be blank.

abnrm · Dec 19, 2017

Here's my :
Universal Geneve Cal.262 Ref. 31236 1945
It does have an accent over the E.