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Universal Geneve watch 867101 White Shadow Vintage Cal2-67 Micro Rotor
Universal Geneve watch 867101 White Shadow Vintage Cal2-67 Micro Rotor
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SPECIFICATION
Reference : Universal Geneve 867101
Movement : caliber 2-67 micro rotor
Age : Circa 1968-1975
Case Size : 34mm
Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug : 39mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : used Universal Geneve watch
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty
POINTS TO MENTION
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In great pre-owned condition, with some wear from use
- Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
- Fully serviced micro rotor movement
- Slightest paint loss on hour hand
- Signed UG crown
- Paired with an unworn black leather strap
The Universal Genève Ref. 867101 is a distinguished member of the White Shadow line, introduced in the late 1960s as part of the brand’s push toward ultra-slim automatic dress watches. Designed during an era of technical innovation, the 867101 features the groundbreaking Caliber 2-67 micro-rotor movement—developed in-house and attributed in part to Gérald Genta—which allowed for automatic winding while maintaining an exceptionally thin profile. At the time of release, the White Shadow was the thinnest automatic watch in the world. This 867101 reference comes in a 34 mm stainless steel case with a minimalist aesthetic, with a satin elegant dial and stick indices. Its refined proportions and understated design made it a contemporary rival to ultra-thin offerings from brands like Patek Philippe and Piaget, but at a more accessible price point. Though overshadowed during the quartz crisis, the 867101 has gained renewed respect among collectors for its technical significance, micro-rotor pedigree, and elegant mid-century style. Today, it stands as a compelling example of Universal Genève’s role in the golden age of Swiss watchmaking.
A BIT OF TRIVIA
Universal Geneve's history dates to 1894, when it was founded in Le Locle, Switzerland, as Universal Watch. Soon, it opened a branch in Geneva, officially changing its name to Universal Geneve in the 1930s. By then, the brand had become an industry leader with its chronographs, highlighted by the Compax line. By the 1940s, the Henri Stern Agency, distributor of Patek Philippe in the United States, began distributing Universal Genève, an endorsement of the brand's quality. At the time, UG's headquarters sat between Rolex and Patek in Geneva. Through the 1950s and '60s, Universal Genève continued to sit at the cutting edge of watches. It introduced a micro-rotor automatic movement, then in 1954 launched the Polerouter (nèe Polarouter), one of the first designs from a promising young designer named Gérald Genta.
But like so many other Swiss watch brands, the so-called Quartz Crisis spelled the eventual collapse of the proud manufacturer. It partnered with Bulova and began to use its tuning fork technology before pursuing quartz. But the Universal Geneve of the 1970s and '80s was far from the brand that had once produced watches to compete with Rolex, Heuer, and others.
In 1989, Stelux Holdings, a Hong Kong-based investment holding company, acquired Universal Genève.
In December 2023 the main stake holders in Breitling (Partners Group) acquired Universal Geneve from Stelux Holdings stating "Universal Genève was once hailed as the couturier of watchmaking, renowned for its in-house movements and mythical models. It is a brand that watch enthusiasts have dreamed of seeing make a permanent comeback,"
OUR THOUGHTS
Who doesn't love Universal Geneve and a simple yet elegant watch? The combination of the two is this beautiful watch that really won't break the bank! The way this watch wears on the wrist is larger than the dimensions would have you believe. There's a unique charm in wearing a razor-thin watch, It exudes a sense of luxury without pretentiousness.
SKU:UG867WO
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