News Breitling Acquires Universal Genève

Since 1989, Stelux Holdings has maintained ownership of the Universal Genève brand. In recent headlines, the anticipated revival has materialized, marking the rebirth of Universal Genève. Partners Group Holding AG, the ownership group of Breitling, has officially acquired Universal Genève from Stelux Holdings at a rumored deal price of USD 70 million. This development is noteworthy in an era where several once-defunct watch brands have undergone relaunches, with Universal Genève standing out as the name that has long eluded enthusiasts.

Universal Genève is a Swiss luxury watch company that was founded in 1894 in Geneva, Switzerland. The company is known for producing high-quality timepieces and has a rich history in the watchmaking industry. In the 1920s, Universal Genève's early history epitomized sophistication with its motto, "Precision watches, precision jewelry." The era featured the introduction of elegant women's cocktail watches (These watches often feature smaller and more delicate designs compared to everyday watches), and men's jewelry timepieces, including the pioneering reversible Cabriolet, a testament to innovation in watchmaking.

Fast forward to the 1940s, and the brand was at the forefront of chronograph innovation, offering an impressive range of Compax chronographs with in-house movements. Notably, the legendary Tri-Compax full calendar was unveiled, marking a milestone in celebration of Universal Genève's 50th anniversary. 

Moving into the 1950s, the brand achieved a milestone with the “Polerouter'' that withstand diverse climates, designed by the young Gérald Genta  known for his significant contributions to the watchmaking industry and is considered one of the most influential designers in the field. This decade also saw the introduction of the self-winding Microtor movement. 

The 1960s witnessed a successful rebranding of the Compax series as sports watches, featuring the "Nina Rindt" chronograph and the full-calendar Tri-Compax "Eric Clapton”. Six years later, Universal Genève made history by releasing the world's flattest automatic movement, solidifying its legacy as a pioneer in watchmaking innovation.

While Universal Genève experienced its heyday in the mid-20th century, the brand faced challenges in the quartz crisis of the 1970s, like many other traditional watchmakers. The company underwent various changes in ownership and faced financial difficulties. 

"This revival marks the transformation of a dream into a vision. It's a journey we're undertaking with the utmost respect and dedication, with the goal of reinstating Universal Genève to its rightful place in the world of watchmaking."  Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling.

Breitling is set on transforming Universal Genève from a dormant state into a realm marked by widespread acclaim among watch enthusiasts. Guided by watch industry Georges Kern since 2017, Breitling has undergone an impressive journey, witnessing a doubling of the brand's turnover in the last five years. Upon reflection, it becomes clear that Kern possesses the expertise, a dedicated team, and the lasting passion required to unlock the full potential of Universal Genève.