Universal Genève “TV Wave Dial” 16K Plated Ref. 542640 (circa early 1970s)

WHY WE CURATED IT:
A beautiful TV-shaped case from Universal Geneve, very popular in the 1970s as TVs became firmly ubiquitous household appliances in every home… a reflection of a forward-looking, technologically-ready zeitgeist. Made extra special by a deeply textured golden “wave” dial that’s absolutely stunning! Shift the light a little and it looks like a chequered dial. Serves perfectly as a dress watch but because of the larger horizontally-biased footprint, is well-suited as a daily driver as well. Followers will know our love for UG. Once a high-end brand, crushed by the quartz era, but on the verge of revival under Breitling. Beyond hyped models like Polerouters/Tri-Compax are gorgeous, dressy treasures like this, waiting to be discovered at amazing value.

CONDITION:
9/10 with very small signs of honest use but little to no signs of polishing. Original signed crown. Hands, markers, dial and crystal are clean. Matched with a barely used aftermarket strap and buckle. Movement running well with near-spec power reserve, adequate amplitude, very low beat error and accurate to ±15 secs/day averaged from 6 timegrapher positions.

DIMENSIONS:
30.8mm width excl. crown
33.5mm length incl. lugs
7.0mm thickness
18mm lug width
Visual dial width ~24.5mm
Wrist in photos is 15.8cm in circumference

CRYSTAL:
Acrylic

CASE:
Stainless steel, 16K gold-plated

WATER RESISTANCE:
Assumed none, as per vintage watches

STRAP:
Aftermarket weave texture embossed leather, aftermarket buckle (16mm)

CALIBRE:
Universal Geneve Cal. 1-42, 2-hander manual-winding

COMES WITH:
Watch, strap, buckle

TERMS OF SALE:
Please see our stories Highlight entitled “Terms” on our Instagram profile. Thanks!