Universal Geneve Altesse 842106/04 Case Finish Question

Hi everyone,

I'm wondering if anyone knows a bit more about this model, specifically the case finish.

What I found out so far is that it is an "Altesse" 842106/04, a very thin dress watch (6.8mm including crystal) with caliber 42. This example was manufactured between 1963 and 1965 (leaning towards late 1964, serial no. 2367246).

What is unusual about this watch is that the case is not radially brushed, as in most examples I have seen on the net, but instead the finish is chiseled (or "stippled"), using a graver maybe? The quality of the work done here is very good to my layman eyes, the distances between the chisel marks are such that it has a "starry night" appearance, and they are of a uniform depth. Otherwise, the case finish seems original to me.

So, my question is: is it possible that the watch came from the factory in this way? Or do you think that a jeweller polished off the usual brushed finish, and went to work with a chisel?

Here are some pictures:


Macro shot (phone camera):


A picture from a 1965 UG catalog (German language):


And an ad from 1963:


Watch has been serviced a year ago, but somehow I neglected to take a shot of the movement. Anyway, I'm interested in hearing your thoughts.

Many thanks for your input, @marc92 , @Silversix & @Carlton-Browne .

Sometimes it takes a few more sets of eyes to see what is already there - I certainly hadn't noticed that there are some remnants of the original radial brushing still visible, underneath the chisel marks. That is 100% the "smoking gun" - if this finish had been factory original, I am sure UG wouldn't have added brushing before applying the new finish.

I agree, I have not seen another one with the "bold U". The crown shows the "thin U", as one would expect for a mid-1960s watch.
This thread here lists the "bold U" as a logo that was introduced in 1960, I have no idea when they went back to the "thin U" on the dial or if these were used much in parallel:


I have no doubt the print is genuine, though:


Which kinda deepens the mystery. That's a point where I have nothing to add, as I have absolutely no idea where the dial might have come from if it isn't original to the watch.

@Carlton-Browne - regarding your assessment of the "quality of the dings": I noticed that they are very much uniform in depth, which I imagine isn't very easy to do? I honestly lack something to compare it to. The overall effect is quite pleasant in my eyes, but it might well have been chosen to mask signs of wear. What's odd is that the flanks are perfectly fine, and there is no rounding on the lugs or other signs of heavy polish.

Again, thanks all for your feedback.