Universal Geneve
Universal Geneve
Universal Genève' ferrovie dello stato'
Universal Geneve is a wonderful horological place to be. You can gaze at the beauty of their chronographs such as the Compax, Aero-Compax and Tri-Compax (1930s-40s), or just admire the simple yet stunning designs of the Polerouter created to assist pilots cross the north pole. It’s probably safe to say, as a humble beginner in the watch world, that they can probably stand their ground with any of the big manufacturers of the last century.
This is a watch manufacturer with history. And who doesn’t like a story ? Universal Geneve was commissioned by the Italian State Railway company to make watches for its staff from 1964 to the mid-1970s. UG produced some 82,000 watches and over that decade there were three different models and mine is the second iteration; which was produced from 1969 to 1974. This beauty is the UG Ferrovie dello Stato (“FS”, for the Italian State Railway).
Like the less common ‘Series 1’ the dial is a stunning creamy white enamel with impressed arabic numerals - it really is lovely to behold. The cushion-shaped case is 36mm (excluding crown), there is a sub-second register, signed crown and a beautiful engraved 'FDS' on the case back.
The movement, which is common to all three series is Universal Geneve Caliber 64.
The excellent online magazine Rescapement has written a very good item on the series. https://www.rescapement.com/blog/universal-geneve-fs-the-perfect-introduction-to-vintage-watches
Tech Specs.
Reference:
Year: c.1969-74
Movement: Cal.64 manual wind.
Service History: unknown
Dial: glossy white with black raised numerals
Case: stainless steel case with stainless steel snap-on caseback
Measurements: 36mm (case diameter), 41mm lug-to-lug, 10mm thickness
Water Resistant: No
Crystal: Acrylic
Crown: signed Universal Geneve
Strap/Bracelet: New brown leather strap
Lug Width: 19mm
Box & Papers: No
Warranty: 3 months
Watches modelled on a 7” (18cms) wrist
Condition
Its easy to get nostalgic and wistful over a railway watch; there's something intrinsically romantic about the life on the tracks. This state gift to the workers is firstly practical though; extremely legible, accurate and plain. But plain in a good way. The cushion case is still sharp and unpolished, the dial is stunning with its raised numerals on the glossy white dial and its beating strongly and accurately.
The watch is in good condition but does of course have scratches and marks from a full and useful life (please see the images). The movement, which is running very well, could do with a service at some time in the future.
All aboard !! Tutti a bordo
Vintage Watch Pointers
Owning a vintage watch can be incredibly rewarding - you are wearing a miraculous, tiny mechanical engine with a design, calibre, and materials from decades ago - all of which tell a story. But vintage watches are not highly accurate and shiny new like modern quartz or mechanical watches.
+/- 60 seconds a day really isn’t bad for a vintage watch. Please be aware of this before buying a watch. If you want a highly accurate timekeeper or one with a modern power reserve, it might be best to buy a new watch.
Most vintage watches have had previous services and repairs - and it’s nearly impossible to find out exactly what was done, when and by whom. However, if it’s possible to find out what parts have been replaced or repaired I will let that be known in the description.
Old watches are not waterproof either despite what it may say on the case back: please don’t take them swimming or in fact anywhere near water.
Serviced or not ?
If a watch has been serviced I will make that clear in the description. If not, then all watches are inspected and checked within my limited knowledge and will have been cosmetically cleaned and tested over a period of time for basic accuracy and reliability. I will always point out if the the watch has any scratches, dents or other issues. Some watches come with their original strap or bracelet, but most have been replaced.
Watches which have been serviced are sold with warranty (see watch description for length of warranty), which only covers mechanical defect. Watches without a service naturally only have a short warranty. Warranties only apply to purchases online, not when sold at fairs or antique shows.
If you are a collector or enthusiast you will probably want a vintage watch which has not been over-polished or redialled and you may even prefer to get the watch serviced by your own local watch repairer.
I will always be honest and clear in the description of each watch to the best of my abilities. Any mistakes or errors are mine and would be 100% unintentional. The photos and videos are there to give you as much visual information as possible and are part of the description of the watch.
Although we have made every effort to display the information and colours accurately, the colours on your screen can be different than the original product.
At present, descriptions and images take the place of physically seeing the watches as all transactions are done online and through the website.
Returns policy
We really hope that you will be pleased with your purchase, but if not, you can return a watch bought online for any reason you want as long as you return it within 14 days of receiving the watch and as long as the goods remain in unused condition.
Click this link to see the EU
'Exercise your Right of Withdrawal'
If you wish to claim that any Goods have been delivered damaged, you must notify us of the damage and return the Goods, including all original paperwork, boxes, links, user manuals, service papers, and any other included items including the receipt or proof of purchase, within 14 days of delivery.
If, upon inspection, the Goods are found to be faulty and you meet the return requirements mentioned above, we will either attempt to repair them or issue a full refund.
In the event of a return, we recommend using a trackable service and retaining proof of postage. Any watches returned to us must be securely packaged and insured during transit. Please note that you are responsible for the cost of return postage, packaging, and insurance.
When we have received the returned item, it will be inspected before a refund is given. Please note that we reserve the right to deduct costs from the refund amount for any item returned to us which we believe to have been altered, damaged, or tampered with in any way.
We will then process a refund which will take no longer than 10 business days after we receive the returned item.
The refund is issued to the original payment method used to pay for the item. Note, it may take a further seven days for the refund to appear back on your card.
As the UK is no longer in the EU, you will have to fill in a Customs Declaration form if you return the item. Please write in the description field "wristwatch, return for factory repair / refund , no commercial value" and list the item value as £10. This is essential otherwise an import duty will be levied which you will be liable for (there is no way for us to reclaim this charge). Please note that the returns policy does not apply to watches or other items purchased off-line at fairs or antique shows.
Warranty Policy
We can only offer a warranty on a watch that has been serviced. The warranty period applicable to your purchase will be clearly stated in the product listing. This warranty period begins from the date of purchase as shown on your receipt.
Our warranty covers the mechanical movement of the watch only, unless explicitly stated otherwise. This warranty does not cover wear and tear, accidental damage, or water damage, cosmetic deterioration, or damage caused by improper use and any issues relating to original straps. Warranties only apply to purchases online, not when sold at fairs or antique shows.
If your watch develops a fault within the warranty period, and the fault falls within the terms of this warranty, we will inspect and, where appropriate, repair the item free of charge within a reasonable time. Please note that watch repairers can take up to 8 weeks or more depending on the nature of the repair.
The customer is responsible for the cost of return postage, insurance, and secure packaging of the watch.
The warranty will be void if the watch has been opened, serviced, or repaired by any party not authorised by us.
Shipping
Free UK mainland delivery is available on all our items. These items will usually be shipped via Royal Mail Special Delivery, fully tracked and insured. We aim to deliver orders in the UK within 3-5 working days.
Free Worldwide Shipping on all items via DHL Express or FedEx. We aim to deliver international orders within 10-15 working days.
Please note that the buyer is solely responsible for any customs duties or charges which may be payable. This is completely out of our control and separate from us. Please investigate this prior to buying. Without exception we will also put the full value of the item on the customs form.
At present we are not shipping to the USA or Canada.
We also do not ship to the following countries: Russia, Belarus, Iran and to any country in South America including Mexico.
It is also not possible to ship solid gold watches to India, due to complex import restrictions.