A very distinctive UG design from the 1930's: deco square

Mark020 · Jul 9, 2024

Long overdue thread. These are the examples from my archive. Please post yours!
https://www.finarte.it/asta/orologi...-universal-genve-compur-anni-40-60559?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce3Sey6rKI-/?img_index=2

https://www.instagram.com/p/CuMGuV-r9gP/

https://www.bachmann-scher.de/sold-watches/universal-chronograph-retailed-by-huber-1630.html

https://www.instagram.com/p/CecyciqLTh3/

https://www.the-saleroom.com/it-it/...0091/lot-ebb2422f-848f-4f11-bcf0-a82d00837046

https://www.the-saleroom.com/it-it/...0882/lot-e3293e34-31a6-4b5e-aad2-afe4012da5e9

https://www.geneve-encheres.ch/lots/universal-geneve-pour-hermes-compax-montre-chron

https://marketplace.watchcharts.com...ack-dial-compax-manual-wind-chronograph-watch

https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/vintage-universal.31217/

https://www.watchnet.co.jp/item/view/5891

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6m6A-Jqyp2/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm3tsDvLFYp/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9YymxXHAO8/

https://omegaforums.net/threads/universal-geneve-watches-on-ebay.3584/page-369#post-2296983

https://relojes-especiales.com/threads/vintages-amig-s-cia-lunes-3-de-enero-del-2022.542615/

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-...prod&queryID=21d73b4e1b178d5ddaeebf2aad338108

https://drouot.com/en/l/24772686-universal-geneve-ladies-watch

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1930s-art-deco-universal-geneve-ring-410463552

https://www.catawiki.com/nl/l/82841609-universal-geneve-zonder-minimumprijs-6123-heren-1901-1949

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkAnymxAIub/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.gros-delettrez.com//lot/85917/7648491

https://everywatch.com/universal-geneve/watch-2262902

https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/pr...ed-lug-steel-tank-bauhaus-black-dial-ref-6199

10bf73_f382be53b355403c99506504ec4a6fe4~mv2.jpeg

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7qPzfYiqT3/

https://www.instagram.com/stories/jossipwille/3407645840488121959?igsh=aXBlbXhtZ3M0amgw

x1808571-198fd679fce8e154994313d7a70ff551.jpg.pagespeed.ic.Md_Re66Dgq.webp

Sala (2n print) page 154

https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/UNIVERSAL/15-universal-29.10.22-meeting

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8SoGvLgGev/?img_index=2

Mark020 · Jul 12, 2024

https://www.subito.it/arredamento-casalinghi/universal-geneve-pesaro-urbino-560393873.htm

Larry S · Jul 12, 2024

Interesting … works better in a three hand with applied indices IMO.

CaptainWinsor · Jul 13, 2024

Mark020
https://www.subito.it/arredamento-casalinghi/universal-geneve-pesaro-urbino-560393873.htm

that’s so cool

Mark020 · Jul 14, 2024

Agreed but what is it?

Syrte · Jul 14, 2024

Mark020
https://www.subito.it/arredamento-casalinghi/universal-geneve-pesaro-urbino-560393873.htm

Wow that thing is insane. But I don’t think those squares are just UG. IMHO most watch manufactures often used similar styles in similar eras, with just perhaps a few exceptions. I’ve seen those designs on other brands.
Here’s a small Longines I once considered pursuing, I now wish I did.

I think the thread would be interesting in the open discussion section of the forum, without « UG » in the title.

Mark020 · Jul 14, 2024

Interesting. I was under the impression that it was exclusive UG

CaptainWinsor · Jul 14, 2024

Mark020
Interesting. I was under the impression that it was exclusive UG

No. There’s the Zenith version and I’ve seen Cortebert ones as well.

Mark020 · Jul 14, 2024

Zenith and UG were connected in this era 😉

Syrte · Jul 14, 2024

Aside from very specific designs, such as the Omega Foibos or the Longines Weems, I think most watch manufacturers used whatever designs were fashionable and many used similar designs.

And that would make sense because as our pal @Tire-comedon once told me, back in those days a watch was an expensive piece of equipment which was supposed to last a lifetime, so it was preferable to have conservative designs.

I’ve observed it numerous times, even though only occasionally have I taken the trouble to save pictures which illustrate that.

CaptainWinsor · Jul 14, 2024

I’m sure the dial manufacturers had catalogues that the watch companies just picked from

Syrte · Jul 14, 2024

Mark020
Agreed but what is it?

What do you mean «what is it »?
It’s a ladies watch designed to be mounted on a cord strap like the ones below.
Isn’t it … er… obvious? 😜

Mark020 · Jul 14, 2024

I thought it was perhaps meant to be clipped to a lapel or so.

Mark020 · Jul 14, 2024

CaptainWinsor
I’m sure the dial manufacturers had catalogues that the watch companies just picked from

Absolutely. I made an overview in the past. Let me see whether I can find it

Syrte · Jul 14, 2024

Mark020
I thought it was perhaps meant to be clipped to a lapel or so.

I just edited the pictures into my previous post and you will see on the back picture those lugs are made for the cord strap.

Mark020 · Jul 14, 2024

Found it: https://omegaforums.net/threads/universal-geneve-watches-on-ebay.3584/page-368#post-2293173

Mark020 · Jul 15, 2024

https://omegaforums.net/threads/gilt-zenith-compur-refinished.174448/

Libello Tempi · Jul 16, 2024

Great thread. This popped up on the 'gram. Round dial version of the square design seen in the roman tank you posted earlier. Image by md.timeflow95 Not surprised to see Mr. Pfeffer had this in the assortment.