jpynson |  9 April 2024

By Joël Pynson Zodiac Watch Co. is one of those Swiss watchmaking companies that have changed hands several times and whose history is difficult to trace. Zodiac still exists, but the history available on the current company's website is rather fanciful1 . Most of the information currently available on the Internet...

jpynson |  4 February 2024

3.Polerouter: an iconic watch Universal Polarouter presented at Basel 1955 Universal's Polerouter is without doubt the best-known model from the Geneva-based brand, and the one that has been produced in the greatest number of versions. The design is by the famous creator Gérald Genta. The distinctive feature of this watch is...

jpynson |  26 January 2024

Universal is one of 8 Swiss manufacturers who, in the 1940s and 1950s, produced their own chronograph calibers. And some of these chronographs are legendary today...

Universal chronographs The first Universal pocket chronographs were usually fitted with Le Phare calibers, the famous Le Locle manufacturer that supplied many other companies. Gradually, Martel calibers came into use, particularly for wrist chronographs, but Jeanneret-Lémania calibers were also available. Universal chronograph, c. 1920, Martel calibre Universal chronograph, c. 1920, Jeanneret/Lémania...

jpynson |  18 January 2024

Most online information about Universal has no credible source, and false information is repeated from site to site. This article took several months to compile, and was based on one of the largest private historical databases on Swiss watchmaking. All historical sources used are referenced.

The true story of Perret & Berthoud, manufacture des montres Universal. Part one: history By Joel Pynson "We have to get to the point where customers demand not just a watch, but a Universal from their watchmaker.” Raoul Perret For many watch collectors, Universal is one of the finest Swiss brands....

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