Universal Genève 566101

Universal Genève Gilt Shadow Ultra-thin Micro-rotor Automatic Champagne Dial

Basic Info Listing code : MV3W48 Brand : Universal Genève Reference number : 566101 Movement : Automatic Case material : Gold/Steel Bracelet material : Leather Year of production : 1970 (Approximation) Condition : Used (Good) Scope of delivery : No original box, no original papers Gender : Men's watch/Unisex Location : United Kingdom, Bangor Price : 650 Availability : Item is in stock Caliber Movement : Automatic Caliber/movement : U.G. 2-66 Power reserve : 46 h Number of jewels : 25 Frequency : 19800 A/h Case Case material : Gold/Steel Case diameter : 35 x 38 mm Thickness : 6 mm Water resistance : Not water resistant Bezel material : Gold-plated Crystal : Plexiglass Dial : Champagne Dial numerals : Lines Bracelet/strap Bracelet material : Leather Bracelet color : Black Lug width : 19 mm Clasp : Buckle Clasp material : Gold/Steel Other Only Original Parts, Vintage Here for sale is the Universal Geneve Gilt Shadow, Ref. 566.101 with a beautiful cushion shaped case and champagne dial. This is the famous Universal Geneve Gilt Shadow Ultra Slim Micro-rotor automatic watch on a brown vintage style "croc grained" strap with gold plated Universal Geneve pin buckle. The watch is running well and is in good general condition for a near fifty five year old timepiece from around 1970. It has a stunning appearance with a little “art deco” appeal. The black numerals and hands contrast well with the champagne dial. The dial does show some patina (some collectors like to see this of course!). The patina is mainly found between the 12 and 3 o'clock positions. It is not particularly noticeable when you look straight down at the watch on your wrist. It is only when you hold the watch near your eye and look from the side when it becomes more visible. It should therefore not be a concern -it certainly wasn't to me! The cushion case itself is really in very good condition with no peeling or scratches visible. -it certainly looks gorgeous! Inside, the watch houses the caliber 2-66, the world’s thinnest automatic movement at the time at 2.5mm, which was a technical feat. The original ultra-thin caliber was prominently featured at Baselworld in 1966, and this caliber and its later derivative movements were used until the early 1990s. The 2-67 itself was released by the company in 1973. The watch has just benefitted from a visit to my watchmaker for a pre-sale health check. All is reported "well". The watch comes with a new quality storage box. The watch is of course an example of an ultra-thin watch, being just 6mm in thickness. The Universal Genève White Shadow was the company’s answer to having a designated dress watch line, and the name White Shadow was used for models in stainless steel cases. This example here is its sister watch -the Gilt Shadow. When it came to dress watches in the 1950s and 1960s, many of the watch manufacturers were focused on who could make the thinnest, most elegant pieces and with this example, it's easy to see the care that went into creating it. These ultra-slim watches were designed by the famous watch designer Gerald Genta . His other famous design for the company was called the "Polerouter". Genta's work with Universal would be a precursor to future collaborations with other brands in Switzerland and throughout Europe such as Omega's Constellation (1959), Patek Philippe's Golden Ellipse (1968) and Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak (1970). There you have it -a beautiful vintage watch in good overall condition by Universal Geneve, indeed hardly distinguishable from its illustrious cousin, the Patek Phillippe Ellipse! All ready for a new owner. For reference, the photos show the watch on a 7 inch (17 cm) wrist. "These are stunning dress watches with enduring design by the great Gérald Genta. They feature some of the most innovative and cutting-edge movement technology of their time." -THE SUBDIAL