Iconic watch art prints. Made in Switzerland, lifetime guarantee

The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

In 2025, my interest in vintage watches really took off after seeing the prices of new ones. I discovered the Shadow while watching a video by the YouTuber Urban Gentry and was immediately captivated by its design. But as I researched and learned more, I also discovered that this watch is a small technical marvel with its 2-66 micro-rotor caliber.

After a lot of searching (initially for the integrated bracelet version), it was difficult to find. I finally managed to stumble upon an even rarer version with standard lugs and a bracelet in NOS (New Old Stock) condition. I added a beautiful burgundy cordovan strap, but I think eventually I'll put it on a coral lizard strap, as it's almost too classic in its current configuration.

The tech class of the 70s

I've wanted a GMT for a while now, but a truly premium piece. Having many blue dials in my collection, I was immediately drawn to this magnificent opaline dial that takes on all sorts of silvery reflections in the light. This watch has been criticized quite a bit for its thickness; admittedly, it's certainly not for every wrist, but try it on before eliminating it from your shortlist.

The quality of the finish and the precision are worthy of Tudor.

The sporty woman who loves to travel

Here's my Avigation BigEye in titanium, a watch with a retro look but cutting-edge engineering and performance. It's currently the most accurate watch in my collection, with an accuracy of -1 to +1, and yet it's not COSC certified. The column chronograph is very smooth to operate. I love the deep blue dial with its smoky, grained finish that gives it a beautiful depth. The raised crystal case further enhances this effect.

The lightness of the titanium and its 41mm diameter make it very comfortable to wear.

Longines chronometric precision 🤩

My first review here of this beautiful German watch.

I'd been eyeing the 417 ES for a while, so when this special edition came out, I couldn't resist.

In this special edition, the watch comes with a gorgeous chronograph whose dial perfectly matches the watch.

I left it on its blue suede strap for about six months before deciding that this beautiful dial deserved to be showcased better with something more contrasting.

The watch is very well finished, the proportions are ideal for my 16.5 cm wrist, the AMT 5100 flyback/column movement is magnificent, and the accuracy is spot on.

It's a watch that puts a smile on my face every time I wear it, and it's so much fun to see the dial play with the sunlight.

Sunshine that brings a smile

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Universal Gen&egrave;ve</strong>, founded in <strong>1894</strong>, is a Swiss watch manufacturer renowned for its innovations and iconic designs. Over the decades, the brand has marked the history of watchmaking with flagship models and significant technical advances.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Beginnings: 1894-1930</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In 1894, in Le Locle, Switzerland, Numa-Emile Descombes and Ulysse Georges Perret founded the Universal Watch company, specializing in the production of movements for pocket watches and wristwatches. After the premature death of Descombes in 1897, Perret joined forces with Louis-Edouard Berthoud, and the company was renamed Perret &amp; Berthoud. In 1919, the company moved to Geneva, thus strengthening its Swiss identity. During this period, Universal distinguished itself by the creation of chronograph wristwatches, a notable innovation at a time when pocket watches dominated the market.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Expansion et Innovations : 1930-1950</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In the 1930s, Universal Gen&egrave;ve became known for its high-quality chronographs. In 1936, the <strong>brand launches the &ldquo;Compax&rdquo;</strong>, the first wrist chronograph with two subdials, followed in 1944 by the "Tri-Compax", incorporating complications such as the complete calendar and the moon phase. These models met with international success, strengthening the reputation of the brand. In 1937, <strong>the company officially adopts the name Universal Gen&egrave;ve</strong>, symbolizing its attachment to the city and its commitment to watchmaking excellence.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Polerouter and Microtor Era: 1950-1970</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In 1954, Universal Geneva presented the "Polerouter", <strong>designed by the young designer G&eacute;rald Genta</strong>. This model, initially named "Polarouter", celebrates the inaugural flights of the Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) above the North Pole. The Polerouter is equipped with the micro-rotor caliber 215, an innovation that reduces the thickness of the movement while maintaining optimal performance. This period is marked by the introduction of the "Golden Shadow" series in 1965, equipped with caliber 66, then the thinnest automatic movement in the world with a thickness of only 2.3 mm.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Challenges and Adaptations: 1970-1990</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The 1970s brought major challenges with the quartz crisis. Universal Gen&egrave;ve, like many Swiss manufacturers, must adapt to this new technology. The brand introduces quartz models, but this transition affects its position in the market. In 1989, Universal Gen&egrave;ve was acquired by the Hong Kong group Stelux Holdings International Ltd., also owner of the Cyma brand. This acquisition aims to revitalize the brand by combining Swiss heritage with a strategy oriented towards the Asian market.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Renaissance and Future Perspectives: 2000 to Today</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In the early 2000s, Universal Gen&egrave;ve attempted to reconnect with its heritage by relaunching iconic models and emphasizing innovation. In 2007, the brand presented a new collection based on Microtor, a technology it had initially developed in 1955. This initiative aims to attract fans of classic watches while integrating modern elements.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In December 2023, <strong>Stelux Holdings sells Universal Gen&egrave;ve to Breitling SA</strong>, marking a new stage in the history of the brand. This acquisition by Breitling, another renowned Swiss watch house, raises hopes of a renaissance for Universal Gen&egrave;ve, with plans to revive the production of new models by 2026.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Impact and Legacy</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Universal Gen&egrave;ve has played a crucial role in the evolution of watchmaking, particularly through its innovations in chronographs and automatic movements. Collaboration with renowned designers, such as G&eacute;rald Genta, has allowed the brand to create timeless models that remain popular with collectors. Despite the challenges encountered over the decades, the legacy of Universal Gen&egrave;ve endures, and the recent acquisition by Breitling offers a promising outlook for the future of this historic brand.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In conclusion, <strong>Universal Gen&egrave;ve embodies the innovation and elegance of Swiss watchmaking</strong>. With a history rich in iconic creations and technical advances, the brand has left an indelible mark on the world of watchmaking. The new era that is coming under the aegis of Breitling is impatiently awaited by enthusiasts and collectors, hoping for a renaissance to match its prestigious past.</p>
<p dir="ltr">To choose the Universal Gen&egrave;ve model that best suits you, the <strong>Dialicious owners&rsquo; reviews</strong> are an essential resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated November 2024)</p>

As a collector passionate about vintage watches,
my recent encounter with the elegant and ultra-thin Universal Genève White Shadow designed by the great GENTA has completely transformed my perspective on Swiss manufacturing of the 70s and the quality of the product of one of the best watches.
The undeniable appeal of this elegant and dressy piece struck me once on my wrist!
A real treasure in my eyes 🤩


Ultra slim

I discovered this watch by chance while looking for a watch that I have always loved, the Patek Philippe Ellipse which remains inaccessible due to its price. Gerald Genta designed this watch in the 1965s before the fantastic Ellipse in 1968. I was born in 1968, I don't know if that's what makes me love this watch with its unique design, breaking away from everything we see today. The shape of the dial is unique and its design is very pure, not to say simple, there is not even a second hand. The Milanese mesh bracelet was not to my taste at first but it has a unique style and above all comfort. You don't feel it, especially since it is small (finally a watch for small wrists). It is a pleasure to wear it, you enjoy being able to look at the time on your wrist without feeling handcuffed. And more surprisingly for those who discover it, it immediately wins over people with its design and simplicity.

White Shadow, original and drawn by Gerald Genta

<p>Fond&eacute;e en <strong>1970</strong> par Philippe Saner dans le Jura suisse, la marque <strong>Saner</strong> incarne un demi-si&egrave;cle d'excellence horlog&egrave;re. Initialement sp&eacute;cialis&eacute;e dans l'assemblage de mouvements m&eacute;caniques, l'entreprise a su &eacute;voluer tout en conservant son savoir-faire artisanal. En 2020, pour c&eacute;l&eacute;brer ses 50 ans, la famille Saner a lanc&eacute; une collection exclusive de montres en &eacute;dition limit&eacute;e, marquant ainsi son entr&eacute;e sur le devant de la sc&egrave;ne horlog&egrave;re.</p>
<h3><strong>Les D&eacute;buts : Un Atelier Familial</strong></h3>
<p>Philippe Saner a &eacute;tabli son atelier &agrave; Alle, dans le Jura suisse, une r&eacute;gion r&eacute;put&eacute;e pour son expertise horlog&egrave;re. D&egrave;s le d&eacute;part, l'atelier s'est distingu&eacute; par la pr&eacute;cision de son travail, fournissant des mouvements m&eacute;caniques &agrave; des marques prestigieuses. Cette r&eacute;putation d'excellence a permis &agrave; l'entreprise de se d&eacute;velopper tout en restant fid&egrave;le &agrave; ses <strong>racines familiales</strong>.</p>
<h3><strong>L'&Eacute;volution : De la Sous-Traitance &agrave; la Cr&eacute;ation de Montres</strong></h3>
<p>Apr&egrave;s des d&eacute;cennies en tant que sous-traitant de confiance, la <strong>famille Saner </strong>a d&eacute;cid&eacute; de capitaliser sur son expertise en lan&ccedil;ant sa propre ligne de montres. Cette transition a &eacute;t&eacute; motiv&eacute;e par le d&eacute;sir de proposer des garde-temps refl&eacute;tant leur vision de l'horlogerie, alliant tradition et innovation.</p>
<h3><strong>La Collection "Heart in Light"</strong></h3>
<p>Pour c&eacute;l&eacute;brer son 50e anniversaire, Saner a d&eacute;voil&eacute; la collection <strong>"Heart in Light"</strong>. Compos&eacute;e de cinq mod&egrave;les exclusifs, chaque pi&egrave;ce est limit&eacute;e &agrave; 50 exemplaires et <strong>certifi&eacute;e par le Contr&ocirc;le Officiel Suisse des Chronom&egrave;tres (COSC)</strong>, garantissant une pr&eacute;cision exceptionnelle. Les mod&egrave;les se d&eacute;clinent avec des bracelets en cuir, m&eacute;tal ou nylon, offrant une vari&eacute;t&eacute; adapt&eacute;e aux go&ucirc;ts diversifi&eacute;s des amateurs de montres.</p>
<h3><strong>Engagement envers la Qualit&eacute; et l'Innovation</strong></h3>
<p>Saner s'engage &agrave; maintenir des <strong>standards de qualit&eacute; &eacute;lev&eacute;s</strong>. L'atelier, modernis&eacute; et bien &eacute;quip&eacute;, se sp&eacute;cialise dans l'assemblage de mouvements m&eacute;caniques, le garnissage de platines et l'embo&icirc;tage de montres, y compris celles avec complications. Cette infrastructure permet &agrave; la marque de contr&ocirc;ler chaque &eacute;tape de la production, assurant ainsi la fiabilit&eacute; et la durabilit&eacute; de ses produits.</p>
<h3><strong>Conclusion</strong></h3>
<p>La marque Saner illustre la capacit&eacute; d'une <strong>entreprise familiale</strong> &agrave; &eacute;voluer tout en pr&eacute;servant son h&eacute;ritage. En lan&ccedil;ant sa propre collection de montres, Saner a d&eacute;montr&eacute; que l'expertise accumul&eacute;e au fil des d&eacute;cennies peut servir de fondation solide pour innover et proposer des produits de haute qualit&eacute; aux passionn&eacute;s d'horlogerie.</p>
<p>Inspirez-vous des <strong>avis clients Dialicious</strong> pour choisir la montre qui vous ressemble.</p>
<p>(Mise &agrave; jour Mars 2025)</p>

<p dir="ltr">Founded in <strong>1970</strong> by Philippe Saner in the Swiss Jura, the brand <strong>Saner</strong> embodies half a century of watchmaking excellence. Initially specializing in the assembly of mechanical movements, the company has evolved while maintaining its artisanal know-how. In 2020, to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Saner family launched an exclusive collection of limited edition watches, marking its entry onto the watchmaking scene.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">The Beginnings: A Family Workshop</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Philippe Saner established his workshop in Alle, in the Swiss Jura, a region renowned for its watchmaking expertise. From the start, the workshop stood out for the precision of its work, supplying mechanical movements to prestigious brands. This reputation for excellence has allowed the company to grow while remaining faithful to its <strong>family roots</strong>.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">The Evolution: From Subcontracting to Watch Creation</h3>
<p dir="ltr">After decades as a trusted subcontractor, the <strong>Saner family</strong> decided to capitalize on its expertise by launching its own line of watches. This transition was motivated by the desire to offer timepieces reflecting their vision of watchmaking, combining tradition and innovation.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Collection "Heart in Light"</h3>
<p dir="ltr">To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Saner unveiled the collection <strong>"Heart in Light"</strong>. Made up of five exclusive models, each piece is limited to 50 copies and <strong>certified by the &ldquo;Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres&rdquo; (COSC)</strong>, guaranteeing exceptional precision. The models are available with leather, metal or nylon straps, offering a variety suited to the diverse tastes of watch lovers.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Commitment to Quality and Innovation</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Saner is committed to maintaining high quality standards. The workshop, modernized and well equipped, specializes in the assembly of mechanical movements, the filling of plates and the casing of watches, including those with complications. This infrastructure allows the brand to control each stage of production, thus ensuring the reliability and durability of its products.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Saner brand illustrates the capacity of <strong>family business</strong> to evolve while preserving its heritage. By launching its own watch collection, Saner has demonstrated that the expertise accumulated over decades can serve as a solid foundation to innovate and offer high-quality products to watch enthusiasts.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Get inspired by <strong>Dialicious owner&rsquo;s reviews </strong>to choose the watch that suits you.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated March 2025)</p>

Universal Genève White Shadow Owner Review : Classy, historical and fine

The tech class of the 70s

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Universal Genève White Shadow Owner Review : Classy, historical and fine

The tech class of the 70s

Where to buy your Universal Genève?

YOU ARE :

Other reviews published by Lionel231

TudorBlack Bay GMT

LonginesAvigation BigEye

Hanhart417 ES Red x Blue

Customize your Universal Genève with our selection of accessories:

Iconic Switzerland

Eagle Eye Watches

Tudor
Black Bay GMT

Longines
Avigation BigEye

Hanhart
417 ES Red x Blue