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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Cabriolet wristwatch

Universal Genève Golden Janus Cabriolet Wristwatch

Partially verified

The Universal Genève 'Golden Janus Cabriolet' is a gentleman's rectangular wristwatch produced to mark the company's 100th anniversary in April 1994. The watch utilizes a 'cabriolet' system, housed within a platinum cage with a rotating mechanism at the 12 o'clock lug. The inner case is crafted from 18K pink gold and contains the movement, which can be reversed to reveal two distinct dial faces. The platinum outer body features an engraved effigy of Janus and the Universal Watch logo. The movement is a rhodium-plated caliber 42, an 8 3/4''' rectangular unit featuring 17 jewels, a lever escapement, and a Glucydur balance adjusted to three positions. The watch is completed by a pink gold deployant clasp and is accompanied by its original fitted presentation box.

The Universal Genève Golden Janus Cabriolet, showing the inner 18K pink gold case partially rotated within the platinum outer body.
The Universal Genève Golden Janus Cabriolet, showing the inner 18K pink gold case partially rotated within the platinum outer body. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Cabriolet wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Universal Genève
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
62
Source-reported date
1994
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
137/150

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Configuration

The watch features a complex three-body construction with a polished platinum cage designed to hold the inner 18K pink gold case. The cabriolet mechanism is operated by a rotating system located on the top lug at 12 o'clock, while a platinum bolt at 6 o'clock secures the inner case to the outer platinum body. The outer platinum frame is engraved with the Universal Watch logo, an effigy of Janus, and the commemorative dates of 1894 and 1994.

The timepiece offers two distinct dial faces. The first is a two-tone silver dial featuring applied pink gold Roman numerals and feuille hands. The reverse side presents a matte and guilloché silver dial that includes a jumping-hour aperture, a diurnal and nocturnal hours indicator, and an auxiliary calendar dial for the days of the month, using Arabic numerals and indexes for timekeeping.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, solid, polished, cage in platinum, on the top lug,at 12 o'clock, rotating system for the 'cabriolet'”
  • “At 6 o'clock, a platinum bolt engraved on one side?1894? and on the other one ?1994?”
  • “On one side, two-tonesilver dial with applied pink gold Roman numerals. Pink gold'feuille' hands. On the other side, matte and guilloché silver”

Movement and Mechanics

The internal caliber 42 movement is a rhodium-plated, 8 3/4''' rectangular unit featuring 17 jewels. It is equipped with a lever escapement, a Glucydur balance, and an Incabloc shock protection system. The balance is adjusted to three positions and includes a self-compensating flat balance spring.

Operation of the watch is handled through crowns located on the sides of the inner pink gold case. Two crowns on one side facilitate the separation of functions, while a single crown on the opposite side allows for the adjustment of all functions on both dials. The case uses gold screwed bars to facilitate movement access and assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “bearing twocrowns on one side for the separation of the functions, and oneon the other side to adjust all the functions of both dials”

Signatures and Commemorative Markings

The object includes specific inscriptions denoting its commemorative purpose for the 100th anniversary of Universal Genève. Inside the platinum body, the watch is engraved with the phrase '100 ans de tradition horlogère, 1894-1994' followed by the model number. The case, movement, and dial are all signed by the maker to verify authenticity.

The construction incorporates high-precious materials, notably the combination of platinum for the external cage and 18K pink gold for the inner functional case and deployant clasp.

Evidence for this section
  • “inside,the inscription '100 ans de tradition horlogère, 1894-1994,Modèle No. 137/150?”
  • “Dial, case, and movement signed.”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the '137/150' serial numbering if only 10 pieces were produced?
  • Are there variations in dial finishing among the other pieces of this limited edition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Universal Genève Golden Janus Cabriolet Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerUniversal Genève“Universal Genève, 'Golden Janus Cabriolet'.”
Date of productionApril 1994“Produced in a limited edition of 10 commem-orative pieces, made expressly for the 100th Anniversary of Universal, in April 1994.”
MovementCaliber 42“8 3/4''' cal.42, rhodium plated, 17 jewels, lever escapement”
Dimensions26.5 x 43 mm“Dim. 26.5 x 43 mm.”
Serial number137/150“Modèle No. 137/150”
Case compositionPlatinum and 18K pink gold“rectangular, double-dial, two time zone, platinum and 18K pink gold gentleman's 'cabriolet' wristwatch”
ConditionVery good“Grading System Grade: AA Very good”

Visible details

  • Rotating cabriolet housing system at 12 o'clock
  • Pink gold crowns positioned on opposing sides of the inner case
  • Platinum bolt at 6 o'clock engraved with 1894 and 1994
  • Two distinct dial layouts for two time zones

Research qualifications

  • The discrepancy between the inscription '137/150' and the stated production limit of 10 pieces is not clarified by the source
  • The source describes the watch as a 10-piece limited edition despite the case engraving

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Universal Genève, 'Golden Janus Cabriolet'. Produced in a limited edition of 10 commem-orative pieces, made expressly for the 100th Anniversary of Universal, in April 1994. Very fine rectangular, double-dial, two time zone, platinum and 18K pink gold gentleman's 'cabriolet' wristwatch with with day-night indication, jumping-hour, date, and a pink gold Universal deployant clasp. Accompanied by a fitted box.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 2a303708df

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.