Description

Today, we have a unique offering: an 18k rose gold Universal Genve Cioccolatone!

The most defining feature is the distinctive curved squareor pillow-shapedcase, often described as a “curved square” or “quadrilateral.”

The name Cioccolatone is Italian for “big chocolate,” referring to the case’s resemblance to a square of Swiss chocolate.These oversized cases were mostly used from the 1940s until around 1960 by brands like Vacheron Constantin, Omega, Longines, and others.

However, the design never really took off at the timelikely because square cases were more difficult to waterproof. Round watches could more easily accommodate screw-down case backs, whereas square watches couldn’t. As a result, these designs were produced in limited quantities, making superb examples like this one incredibly rare today.

In hand, we have a truly exceptional Universal Genve.

Universal Genve (UG) was founded in 1894 as Universal Watch in Le Locle, Switzerland, by Numa Descombes and Ulysse Perret. The brand specialized in both watch movements and cases. After relocating to Geneva in 1919, UG gained prominence for its high-quality chronographs. and time only pieces like the iconic Compax and Polerouter modelsand for its innovative micro-rotor automatic movements.

The brands fortunes declined after the quartz crisis of the 1970s, but in 2023, the name was acquired by Breitling, signaling a potential revival and return to its legacy of excellence.

This oversized 30 x 30 mm case (which wears even larger than the numbers suggest!) is crafted in 18k rose gold and features a striking sloped bezelweve truly never seen another case like it. The snap-on case back retains both its serial and reference numbers, still fully readable and sharp.

The second star of the show is the exquisite guilloch dial. Finished in a warm cream tone, it features two different guilloch techniquesalmost giving it a sunray-like appearance. Theres no lume on the dial, and the sharp dauphine hands complete this elegant mid-century design perfectly.

Weve never seen another one like itand perhaps we can even conclude this is a piece unique?The watch is paired with an 18k yellow gold brick-style bracelet with nine rows. While the bracelet is yellow gold (not rose), we love the lookit feels very period correct. It fits wrists up to 19 cm.

Surprisingly, this is an automatic watchpowered by UGs hammer automatic Caliber 138SS.This super-elegant dress watch has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

If we could keep a watch for ourselves, this would definitely be a contender, in hand it will blow ones mind.

A smart collector should snap this upone would never regret owning such a beautiful piece!

Specifications

• Universal Genve reference 10228 2 Dress-watch

• Rare 30×30 mm steel 18 k pink gold Cioccolatone case

• Serial 161xxxx dates to 1950s

• Non lume guilloch sun-ray cream colour dial, applied logo, Dauphine hands

• UG Calibre 138SS hammer automatic wind movement

• 18 k yellow gold nine rows brick style bracelet

• Fully serviced by our watchmaker

• One-year mechanical warranty

• Includes a handmade leather watch pouch

• Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping