Universal - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII Geneva Saturday, May 8, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: 1974
    Reference No: 867101
    Case No: 3’184'755
    Model Name: White Shadow
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2-67, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Universal pin buckle
    Dimensions: 34mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    “White Shadow” is the name reserved by Universal for a line of automatic wristwatches launched in mid-1960s. Their most remarkable trait resided in the movement which was powered by an exclusive and groundbreaking automatic calibre. Fitted with a micro-rotor (practically science-fiction, at the time), the movement was the thinnest automatic caliber at the time of its introduction, a record it would hold for more than a decade.

    Mainly cased in a typical 1960-style featuring an architecture with lugs integrated in the band profile as can be seen in this example, some movements found their home in more classic case designs. The present watch not only is offered in absolutely stunning, unpolished and unrestored condition, but furthermore features a very attractive cobalt blue dial with an important double personalization: it features both the Iraqi crest at 9 o'clock, and the signature of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein at 3 o'clock. It is a longstanding tradition for ruler of Middle Eastern countries to offer bespoken timepieces as a gesture of recognition and appreciation to subjects, diplomats or governmental officials; beyond Iraq, other countries known to have ordered watches with bespoken dials are, among others, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrein and Kuwait.

  • Artist Biography

    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.

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This lot is offered without Reserve

186

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 867101
A very rare and extremely well-preserved stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date and bespoke blue dial bearing the Iraqi Crest and the signature of Saddam Hussein

1974
34mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF5,000 - 10,000 
€4,500-9,100
$5,400-10,900

Sold for CHF9,450

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII

Geneva Auction 8 - 9 May 2021