Vintage Universal Geneve Swiss military watch, Cal. 267, Radium polka dot patina from 1943

This Universal Genève Swiss military watch from 1943 features an original light-colored radium dial with a distinctive dotted patina that has formed naturally over time. The dial surface shows fine, evenly distributed speckling, giving it a textured look with warm tones ranging from pale beige to soft honey. This type of dotted aging is typical of early radium dials from the WWII period and adds strong visual character without obscuring legibility.

The large Arabic numerals remain clear and well-defined, with original radium lume still present. Syringe-style hands with matching luminous material reinforce the utilitarian design. An outer minute track and inner 24-hour scale reflect the watch’s military purpose, while the small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock keeps the layout balanced and functional.

The stainless steel case measures 32mm in diameter with a 40mm lug-to-lug length and 10mm thickness, staying true to wartime proportions while wearing comfortably on the wrist. Inside is the Universal Genève Caliber 267, a manual-wind movement used by the brand during the early 1940s. The caseback is stamped Enversteel, Universal Genève’s hardened steel alloy developed for added durability.

Considering buying a radium watch?

Learn what collectors need to know about safety, aging lume, and radioactive dials in our article:

Is It Safe to Wear a Radium Watch?

CASE
32mm diameter
40mm lug-to-lug
10mm thickness
Stainless steel Enversteel case

MOVEMENT
Universal Genève Caliber 267
Manual wind

DIAL
Original radium dial
Tropical patina with mottled beige and caramel tones
Arabic numerals
Small seconds at 6 o’clock
24-hour inner scale

YEAR
1943