Vintage Universal Genève, Military Swiss Watch, Cal. 262 from 1940's

The Universal Genève Cal. 262 military-style watch was produced during the 1940s, a period when the brand was making robust and highly legible timepieces for both military and civilian use. Built for reliability in demanding conditions, these watches combined compact steel cases, luminous numerals, and simple functionality, all powered by the hand-wound Cal. 262.

This example is an outstanding survivor, preserved in near new-old-stock condition. The 31 mm stainless steel caseretains its original factory shape with sharp edges, clean brushing, and no evidence of polishing. The fixed lugs are crisp, and the caseback engravings remain deep and legible.

The dial is completely original, with printed Arabic numerals, radium lume plots, and a sub-seconds register at 6 o’clock. The only sign of age is a light, even patina across the dial, which enhances its vintage appeal without detracting from legibility. The cathedral-style hour and minute hands still show their lume, and the blued-steel seconds handadds a beautiful period touch.

CASE:

• 31 mm stainless steel case (without crown) / 38 mm lug-to-lug

• Fixed lugs, military-style construction

• Brushed caseback with clear engravings: 858316 / 31217

• Excellent, near NOS condition 

MOVEMENT:

• Universal Genève Cal. 262

• Manual wind, 15 jewels, 18,000 A/h, approx. 38-hour power reserve

• Reliable and robust, produced throughout the 1940s and 1950s

• Running well and fully functional

DIAL:

• Original silver-white dial with black Arabic numerals

• Radium lume plots at each hour, nicely aged

• Sub-seconds at 6 o’clock with railroad track

• Cathedral-style hour and minute hands with lume, blued-steel small seconds hand

• Even, attractive patina, otherwise in excellent preserved condition