Universal Genève SA was founded in 1894 as Universal Watch by horology students Ulysse Perret and Numa-Emile Descombes. Originally based in Le Locle, Universal was relocated to Geneva in 1919 by Perret, where their headquarters resides to this day.
World’s First Chronograph and Recent History
Universal Genève is credited with creating the world’s first chronograph in 1917. The Swiss brand has been owned by Hong Kong-based Stelux Holdings since 1989 until Partners Group, which also owns Breitling, announced the acquisition and relaunch of Universal Genève in December of 2023.
Nina Rindt
While not a licensed watch, the Universal Genève Compax (ref. 885103/02) was produced from 1964 to 1967 and is known amongst collectors as the “Nina Rindt”. Nina Rindt is a Finnish former supermodel and widow of Formula One’s only posthumous world champion, Jochen Rindt, and was known to frequently wear the chronograph that has since become associated with her.
Interestingly, Rindt’s personal timepiece has non-standard hour, minute, and chronograph hands. The origins of these differences have since been forgotten, according to the FAQ section of Alpha Hands.
Ayrton Senna Institute
In the 1990s, Universal Genève partnered with the Ayrton Senna Institute to produce two limited edition watches: the Universal Genève Senna 41 to commemorate his 41 Formula One race wins, and the Universal Genève Senna 65 in honor of his 65 Formula One pole positions. Proceeds from sales went to Instituto Ayrton Senna, an anti-poverty charity started by the late Brazilian legend’s sister, Vivianne. The organization has been recommended by Bernie Ecclestone and Sir Frank Williams, as well as by Senna’s former rivals Alain Prost and Gehard Berger.
Related Pages
References
https://www.ablogtowatch.com/breaking-news-breitling-acquires-universal-geneve/
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/its-back-universal-geneve-to-relaunch-under-the-same-ownership-as-breitling
https://alphahands.com/vintage-watch-research/universal-geneve-885103-02-nina-rindt/
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/found-tropical-universal-genve-nina-rindt-compax-chronograph
https://alphahands.com/faq/nina-rindts-universal-geneve-885103-02/
https://www.chrono24.com/magazine/formula-1-watches-p_23897/
https://www.fratellowatches.com/universal-geneve-senna-41-52mondayz-week-41/