Founded in 1894, Universal Genève manufactured some of the most important chronographs of the 20th Century. Indeed, many of their complicated models are highly coveted by collectors for the wealth of information displayed on the dial; their handsome designs; and their utilitarian design.

Of course, the UG story didn’t start and end with only highly-complicated watchmaking. The Genta-penned Polerouter, a relatively simple time-only or time-and-date watch with an automatic movement — is without question an icon of mid-century watch design. And even during the Quartz Crisis, which ultimately proved the death of many a Swiss watch manufacture, UG plodded steadily along in delivering novel watches.

This particular Universal Genève is a simple Bauhaus-inspired piece from the 1950s. Housed in a 25mm x 33mm rectangular stainless steel snapback case with hooded lugs, it features a ‘box’ acrylic crystal, female spring bar strap fitment with a handsome, non-luminous salmon dial with printed ‘Roman’ and ‘stick’ indices, blued steel handset, and subsidiary seconds register at 6 o’clock.

Fitted to an Analog:Shift Atlantic Blue II Saffiano Strap and powered by the manually-wound Calibre 260 movement, this thin, attractive timepiece can easily do double duty as an everyday accessory or as a dedicated dress watch. Executed in a resurgent, modernist style and offered at an attractive price point, it’s a perfect option for both men and women.