In a landmark development for the Swiss watchmaking industry, Breitling has announced its acquisition of Universal Genève, marking a new chapter for the brand renowned for its horological artistry and innovation.
Founded in 1894, Universal Genève rose to prominence through the early to mid-20th century with their innovative designs and technical prowess. However, the advent of the quartz crisis significantly challenged the company, marking a shift in its trajectory. Since 1989, it had been owned by the Hong Kong based Stelux Group, which actively maintained its legacy. With this ac-quisition, Breitling aims to restore the storied brand to its former glory, grounded in Swiss tradition yet poised for contemporary relevance.
“As excited as we are, we are also fully aware of the task at hand and the profound heritage we are set to uphold. Rebuilding a brand with such a rich narrative is not a quick endeavour—it is a meticulous labour of love that we anticipate will unfold over the coming years. A dedicated team will be brought on board to allow Breitling and Universal Genève to operate as separate maisons.”
Georges Kern, CEO, Breitling
In the 1920s, Universal Genève’s early history featured elegant women’s cocktail watches and innovative men’s jewelry timepieces, including the reversible Cabriolet, one of the first of its kind.
From the 1940s, the brand was at the forefront of chronograph innovation, offering an impressive variety of its Compax chronographs with manufacture movements, along with the legendary Tri-Compax full calendar launched to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary.
Moving forward a decade, in the 1950s, the Polerouter watch was designed to withstand any climate, from the pole to equator. Universal Genève commissioned it from a 23-year-old Gérald Genta. Also in that decade, the brand introduced a revolutionary self-winding movement known as the Microtor.
In the 1960s the brand successfully relaunched its Compax series as sports watches, including the collectors’ favourite ‘Nina Rindt’ chronograph and full-calendar Tri-Compax ‘Eric Clapton’, named after their famous customers. In 1966, Universal Genève released the world’s flattest automatic movement in its Golden Shadow.
“We are convinced that Breitling is best positioned to take Universal Genève to the next level, as it has so successfully done with its own marque. When stewarding a maison d’horlogerie of this stature, preserving its heritage is a topmost concern. The management at Breitling has demonstrated that it is 100 percent committed to ensuring that Universal Genève lives on, not just in name but in spirit.”
Joseph Wong, Chairman and CEO, Stelux Group
It is not the first time Universal Genève and Breitling have shared links. As the leading specialists in the chronograph, they were both, rivals and allies. Now, they are set to live side-by-side once more, maintaining their individuality while honouring a mutual history of ingenuity.
For more information please visit Breitling or Universal Genève