A revolutionary unique piece in limited edition (820) with timeless shapes and design followed by unique comfort. Everything is just the weight: 100g, the materials: ceramic and grade 5 titanium, the shape, assimilated to a muscle car from the 70s, because these LEDs evoked the rear lights of these cars. It is also equipped with the quartz movement ref GP 3980 which will later become the universal frequency (32768 hz) for these watches. Radically my favorite watch 🤩

Under the radar 📡

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

Very pleasant watch to wear despite its diameter (42MM).
Exceptionally blue, very robust and nice to look at, I never get tired of it especially in this season!
It is an object that does not go unnoticed about which amateurs ask questions.
It can be worn on any occasion, nevertheless the TOP, at the swimming pool without a doubt 🏖️

Azure 

Here is a real Zenith Defy bolt from 1968. It was called "the safe" for its screwing system of the back.
the model of diving watch par excellence.
In this model, we find an original movement the 2552PC.
A real pleasure on the wrist with its angles,
its pretty reflections and its off-white dial..
An icon!!

Zenith DEFY called "safe"

Universal Gen&egrave;ve, founded in 1894, 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.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Beginnings: 1894-1930</h2>
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.
<h2 dir="ltr">Expansion et Innovations : 1930-1950</h2>
In the 1930s, Universal Gen&egrave;ve became known for its high-quality chronographs. In 1936, the brand launches the &ldquo;Compax&rdquo;, 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, the company officially adopts the name Universal Gen&egrave;ve, symbolizing its attachment to the city and its commitment to watchmaking excellence.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Polerouter and Microtor Era: 1950-1970</h2>
In 1954, Universal Geneva presented the "Polerouter", designed by the young designer G&eacute;rald Genta. 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.
<h2 dir="ltr">Challenges and Adaptations: 1970-1990</h2>
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.
<h2 dir="ltr">Renaissance and Future Perspectives: 2000 to Today</h2>
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.
In December 2023, Stelux Holdings sells Universal Gen&egrave;ve to Breitling SA, 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.
<h2 dir="ltr">Impact and Legacy</h2>
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.
In conclusion, Universal Gen&egrave;ve embodies the innovation and elegance of Swiss watchmaking. 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.
To choose the Universal Gen&egrave;ve model that best suits you, the Dialicious owners&rsquo; reviews are an essential resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience
(Updated November 2024)

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

La marque SYE [Start Your Engine] a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 2020 par Arnaud Pezeron &agrave; c&ocirc;t&eacute; de Paris en France. La marque inaugure le Sport Tailoring au poignet. Elle propose des montres sport-chic de caract&egrave;re, fiables, ludiques et abordables inspir&eacute;es de l'univers de la m&eacute;canique auto-moto. La gamme comprend deux mod&egrave;les distincts, la <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/sye/mot1on_automatic_24">SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 </a>et la <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/sye/mot1on_chronograph">SYE MOT1ON Chronograph</a>.
Cette marque embarque une innovation sur le changement du bracelet disponible en acier ou en cuir. La montre n'offre aucun espace entre le bracelet et la boite d&ucirc; &agrave; l&rsquo;absence de cornes, ce qui am&eacute;liore son confort et sa portabilit&eacute;.
<h2 class="p1">Combien co&ucirc;te une montre&nbsp;SYE&nbsp;?</h2>
La gamme SYE comporte deux mod&egrave;les disponibles sur le site de la marque : La SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 est propos&eacute;e &agrave; partir de 750&euro;. La SYE MOT1ON Chronograph est propos&eacute;e &agrave; partir de 599 &euro;.
SYE est ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines montres par an tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une SYE qui vous correspond le mieux, les avis clients Dialicious sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer chacun des diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients.
Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_francaises">Classement des meilleures marques de montres fran&ccedil;aises</a> dont SYE fait partie.
(Mise &agrave; jour Novembre 2023)

The brand SYE [Start Your Engine] was created in 2020 by Arnaud Pezeron near Paris in France. The brand is introducing Sport Tailoring on the wrist. It offers sporty-chic watches with character, reliability, fun and affordability inspired by the world of car and motorcycle mechanics. The range includes two distinct models, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/sye/mot1on_automatic_24"> SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24</a> and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/sye/mot1on_chronograph"> SYE MOT1ON Chronograph</a>.
This brand has an innovation in changing the bracelet available in steel or leather. The watch offers no space between the bracelet and the case due to the absence of lugs, which improves its comfort and portability.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a SYE watch cost?</h2>
The SYE range includes two models available on the brand's website: The SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 is offered from &euro; 750. The SYE MOT1ON Chronograph is offered from &euro; 599.
SYE is independent and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an SYE that best suits you, the Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real customer experience.
Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands">Ranking of the best French watch brands</a>, including SYE.
(Updated November 2023)

Universal Genève White Shadow Owner Review : Romantic, poetic and surgical

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Other reviews published by Remibrune

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Customize your Universal Genève with our selection of accessories:

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Girard-Perregaux
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