An attractive and interesting vintage Universal Genève gentleman’s wristwatch, dating to circa 1953, with an original J.W. Benson, London retailer-signed dial.
The watch is housed in a stainless-steel case, reference 206514/2, with case serial number 1,639,965. Research into this reference and serial range places the watch at approximately 1953, and other very closely numbered examples of the same reference are known, including examples retailed by J.W. Benson of London.
Condition:-
The silver dial is the original, having developed considerable character over its approximately 70 years. There is age-related patina, spotting, discolouration and general surface ageing throughout, all of which has been left untouched. Interestingly, the applied baton hour markers are joined by silver raised minute dots. The applied Universal Genève “U” emblem, with UNIVERSAL GENÈVE below 12, J. W. BENSON LONDON above 6, and ‘SWISS’ at the bottom finish the dial off.
The hour and minute hands were likely fitted at a later stage, and look like they were originally made to take luminous filling, which is now missing.
The stainless case, although showing plenty of age related marks from general use, is in lovely condition. The lugs are particularly pleasing to the eye, with their original wide chamfers nicely defined. The original case back still displaying its deeply stamped numbers. The inside of the case back is correctly signed Universal Genève / Swiss / Stainless Steel
The plexiglass is undamaged and free of scratches
Movement:-
Inside is the signed Universal Genève calibre 332, a 17-jewel Swiss manual-wind mechanical movement. The movement is signed Universal Genève, Swiss Made and Seventeen 17 Jewels, Unadjusted.
The watch is currently running healthily and winds normally, although accuracy as can be expected is not perfect.
*There is an issue with the stem and/or the time-setting mechanism which I would like to describe clearly: When the crown is pulled out to set the time, gentle outward pressure needs to be maintained on the crown for the setting gears to remain engaged.
The service history is unknown and, given the age of the watch and the above setting issue, I would recommend having it serviced.
This watch is not waterproof.
A new grey leather strap is included.
A Personal Note:-
An appealing example of an early-1950s Universal Genève, with the added interest of its original J.W. Benson London signed dial. A nice candidate for sympathetic servicing while retaining the considerable vintage character it has acquired over the years.
An attractive and interesting vintage Universal Genève gentleman’s wristwatch, dating to circa 1953, with an original J.W. Benson, London retailer-signed dial.
The watch is housed in a stainless-steel case, reference 206514/2, with case serial number 1,639,965. Research into this reference and serial range places the watch at approximately 1953, and other very closely numbered examples of the same reference are known, including examples retailed by J.W. Benson of London.
Condition:-
The silver dial is the original, having developed considerable character over its approximately 70 years. There is age-related patina, spotting, discolouration and general surface ageing throughout, all of which has been left untouched. Interestingly, the applied baton hour markers are joined by silver raised minute dots. The applied Universal Genève “U” emblem, with UNIVERSAL GENÈVE below 12, J. W. BENSON LONDON above 6, and ‘SWISS’ at the bottom finish the dial off.
The hour and minute hands were likely fitted at a later stage, and look like they were originally made to take luminous filling, which is now missing.
The stainless case, although showing plenty of age related marks from general use, is in lovely condition. The lugs are particularly pleasing to the eye, with their original wide chamfers nicely defined. The original case back still displaying its deeply stamped numbers. The inside of the case back is correctly signed Universal Genève / Swiss / Stainless Steel
The plexiglass is undamaged and free of scratches
Movement:-
Inside is the signed Universal Genève calibre 332, a 17-jewel Swiss manual-wind mechanical movement. The movement is signed Universal Genève, Swiss Made and Seventeen 17 Jewels, Unadjusted.
The watch is currently running healthily and winds normally, although accuracy as can be expected is not perfect.
*There is an issue with the stem and/or the time-setting mechanism which I would like to describe clearly: When the crown is pulled out to set the time, gentle outward pressure needs to be maintained on the crown for the setting gears to remain engaged.
The service history is unknown and, given the age of the watch and the above setting issue, I would recommend having it serviced.
This watch is not waterproof.
A new grey leather strap is included.
A Personal Note:-
An appealing example of an early-1950s Universal Genève, with the added interest of its original J.W. Benson London signed dial. A nice candidate for sympathetic servicing while retaining the considerable vintage character it has acquired over the years.
Brand: Universal Genève, co-signed J.W. BENSON
Model: N/A
Serial: Case number present
Reference: N/A
Year: c.1953
Dial: Silvered
Lug width: 17mm
Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 36mm without crown
Movement: Manual Wind, Universal Genève calibre 332
Strap/Bracelet: Aftermarket Leather
Box/Papers: N/A
