This Universal Geneve Gilt Shadow Ultra Slim model can be so called due to the micro rotor automatic movement.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
The Golden Shadow, designed by Gerald Genta no less, was launched in 1966 and went on to be the foundation of Universal Geneve’s dress watch line up for years to come. There were over 250 designs in all, but the movement in this one was launched in 1972 so it can not be from before then. The other major factor is this watch is gold plated silver rather than solid gold. Gold was $39 an ounce in 1970, and had shot up to $184 by 1974. This was having a big effect on watchmakers, as people simply couldn’t afford to buy gold watches. So the use of Gilt makes sense to be circa 1974.
CONDITION
The movement inside this Gilt Shadow is Universal’s calibre 66-2, which was the second thinnest automatic movement in production (Piaget had the thinnest). It achieved this by using a microrotor to generate the winding, rather than an automatic mechanism bolted on the back. The bracelet and case have been cleaned in our ultrasonic bath, but still appear to have dirt in the photos – much of this is the 3D effect of the basket weave bracelet, leaving shadows. The bracelet shows hardly any wear at all, which is very clear on the clasp which is normally the first place to show. The dial is very nice, changing from brown to sand depending on the angle.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 33.6 mm
Width without crown 32.3 mm
Lug to lug length 31.8 mm
Case Thickness 7.1 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 196 mm.
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
