264
Universal
Ref. 10232
A well-preserved and unusual pink gold wristwatch with cloisonné enamel dial depicting the Arabian peninsula
- Estimate
- CHF10,000 - 20,000€9,800 - 19,600$10,600 - 21,200
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Universal
- Year
- 1952
- Reference No
- 10232
- Case No
- 1'629'138
- Material
- 18K pink gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 138 SS, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather strap
- Clasp/Buckle
- Pink gold plated pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 36mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Universal Genève Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1952 and the cloisonné enamel dial depicting the map of Saudi Arabia and the Arabia peninsula.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Presented as a gift from the King of Saudi Arbia, King Saoud Ibn Abdul Aziz, in the early 1950s, the present timepiece was part of a limited production of cloisonné enamel Universal Genève wristwatches depicting the Arabic peninsula and celebrating the Saudi Kingdom.
The dial of the watch is presented in two parts. The outer rim features hour indexes in Arabic script, with the inscriptions 'Saoud Ibn Abdul Aziz' at twelve o'clock and 'Jezira el Arabia' at six o'clock (Jezira meaning 'island' in Arabic). Shimmering through the light, the engravings are prominent and eye catching, standing out from the polished pink gold plate. Meanwhile, its centre is rendered in bright and colourful cloisonné enamel. Representing Saudi Arabia and its neighbouring countries, the land is painted with deep and lustrous emerald polychrome enamel contrasting with pastel blue waters of the surrounding seas with an array of peach and pink hues. A mosque and the emblem of Saudi Arabia have also been represented. It consists of two crossed swords with a palm tree. The palm symbolizes prosperity and the crossed swords represent Justice.
A rare occasion, the present Universal Genève reference 10232 gives a glimpse into the royal tastes and sensibilities during the 1950s.
The dial of the watch is presented in two parts. The outer rim features hour indexes in Arabic script, with the inscriptions 'Saoud Ibn Abdul Aziz' at twelve o'clock and 'Jezira el Arabia' at six o'clock (Jezira meaning 'island' in Arabic). Shimmering through the light, the engravings are prominent and eye catching, standing out from the polished pink gold plate. Meanwhile, its centre is rendered in bright and colourful cloisonné enamel. Representing Saudi Arabia and its neighbouring countries, the land is painted with deep and lustrous emerald polychrome enamel contrasting with pastel blue waters of the surrounding seas with an array of peach and pink hues. A mosque and the emblem of Saudi Arabia have also been represented. It consists of two crossed swords with a palm tree. The palm symbolizes prosperity and the crossed swords represent Justice.
A rare occasion, the present Universal Genève reference 10232 gives a glimpse into the royal tastes and sensibilities during the 1950s.
Universal
Swiss | 1894 Universal Genève was founded in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1894 and was originally known as "Universal Watch." Since its inception, Universal Genève has produced watches with unusually high quality for their price point. Universal was among the first brands to introduce a chronograph wristwatch.
Today, the firm's vintage models are highly sought-after and desired for their oversized cases and interesting dial designs. Key models include a variety of "Compax" models such as the "Nina Rindt" or "Evil Nina," the Uni-Compax, the Space-Compax, the Aero-Compax and the Film-Compax.
Browse MakerToday, the firm's vintage models are highly sought-after and desired for their oversized cases and interesting dial designs. Key models include a variety of "Compax" models such as the "Nina Rindt" or "Evil Nina," the Uni-Compax, the Space-Compax, the Aero-Compax and the Film-Compax.