A Universal Geneve and a.... Berthoud? Two Old School Chronographs.

LouS
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Two watches have recently come into my possession. A gold-filled Universal Geneve and a Berthoud. Perhaps somebody can elaborate on the history of "Berthoud", but as far as I understand, Universal Geneve once peddled under the name.


Correct. According to Sala, Louis Berthoud was the third principal in the Universal watch company, becoming Ulysse Perret's partner after the death of NUma Descombes in 1897, and "Perret & Berthoud" became the holder of all Universal patents, and ultimately became Universal Geneve. It's not clear (to me anyway) why Berthoud was used as a brand name in parallel with Universal - different market segments perhaps - like Omega and Tissot?

the watch looks perfectly authentic to me, although I can't say I've studies enough Berthoud dials to be certain that it is original.

now, about that small Universal - is that a cut-out dial, or does it just look like one?
 
citizenrich
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Can you define the term "cut-out" for me? I'm afraid I can't define it.


Assuming it's the same as pocket watch terminology (why wouldn't it be?), a cut-out dial or "double sunk" is a process where (3) separate disks are soldered together for the sub dials. i

the process was reserved for more expensive watches because it was very labor intensive requiring lots of hand work (grounding and polishing).

or, I could be wrong. Hahaha
 
LouS
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Can you define the term "cut-out" for me? I'm afraid I can't define it.

citizenrich citizenrich
Assuming it's the same as pocket watch terminology (why wouldn't it be?), a cut-out dial or "double sunk" is a process where (3) separate disks are soldered together for the sub dials.

Actually, I was using the term - perhaps incorrectly - to refer to a dial with holes in it to show the underdial, aka "sandwich dial" like so

xDSC_0032.jpg

It's a current enthusiasm of mine...
 
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