Universal Genève Golden Janus Cabriolet Wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1994
The Universal Genève 'Golden Janus Cabriolet' is a gentleman's rectangular wristwatch produced to mark the company's 100th anniversary in April 1994. The watch utilizes a 'cabriolet' system, housed within a platinum cage with a rotating mechanism at the 12 o'clock lug.
The inner case is crafted from 18K pink gold and contains the movement, which can be reversed to reveal two distinct dial faces. The platinum outer body features an engraved effigy of Janus and the Universal Watch logo. The movement is a rhodium-plated caliber 42, an 8 3/4''' rectangular unit featuring 17 jewels, a lever escapement, and a Glucydur balance adjusted to three positions. The watch is completed by a pink gold deployant clasp and is accompanied by its original fitted presentation box.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Automatic wristwatch
- Maker
- Universal Genève
- Movement
- Caliber 42
- Condition
- Very good
- Dimensions
- 26.5 x 43 mm
- Serial number
- 137/150
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Case composition
- Platinum and 18K pink gold
- Date of production
- April 1994
- Maker / attribution
- Universal Genève
Design
- Visible features
- • Rotating cabriolet housing system at 12 o'clock • Pink gold crowns positioned on opposing sides of the inner case • Platinum bolt at 6 o'clock engraved with 1894 and 1994 • Two distinct dial layouts for two time zones
- Movement and Mechanics
- The internal caliber 42 movement is a rhodium-plated, 8 3/4''' rectangular unit featuring 17 jewels. It is equipped with a lever escapement, a Glucydur balance, and an Incabloc shock protection system. The balance is adjusted to three positions and includes a self-compensating flat balance spring. Operation of the watch is handled through crowns located on the sides of the inner pink gold case. Two crowns on one side facilitate the separation of functions, while a single crown on the opposite side allows for the adjustment of all functions on both dials. The case uses gold screwed bars to facilitate movement access and assembly.
- Case and Dial Configuration
- The watch features a complex three-body construction with a polished platinum cage designed to hold the inner 18K pink gold case. The cabriolet mechanism is operated by a rotating system located on the top lug at 12 o'clock, while a platinum bolt at 6 o'clock secures the inner case to the outer platinum body. The outer platinum frame is engraved with the Universal Watch logo, an effigy of Janus, and the commemorative dates of 1894 and 1994. The timepiece offers two distinct dial faces. The first is a two-tone silver dial featuring applied pink gold Roman numerals and feuille hands. The reverse side presents a matte and guilloché silver dial that includes a jumping-hour aperture, a diurnal and nocturnal hours indicator, and an auxiliary calendar dial for the days of the month, using Arabic numerals and indexes for timekeeping.
- Signatures and Commemorative Markings
- The object includes specific inscriptions denoting its commemorative purpose for the 100th anniversary of Universal Genève. Inside the platinum body, the watch is engraved with the phrase '100 ans de tradition horlogère, 1894-1994' followed by the model number. The case, movement, and dial are all signed by the maker to verify authenticity. The construction incorporates high-precious materials, notably the combination of platinum for the external cage and 18K pink gold for the inner functional case and deployant clasp.
Identification
- Serial number
- 137/150
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The discrepancy between the inscription '137/150' and the stated production limit of 10 pieces is not clarified by the source
- Research required: The source describes the watch as a 10-piece limited edition despite the case engraving