Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Throwback Thursday: Universal Genève Cairelli Split-Second Chronograph

Throwback Thursday: Universal Genève Cairelli Split-Second Chronograph

Adrienne Faurote
By Adrienne Faurote August 17, 2017

Some might not know it yet, but each year, vintage Universal Geneve watches come closer to becoming the “next big thing” in vintage watch collecting. As four and five digit reference Rolex prices soar, there’s still room to snag plenty of cool Universal Geneve watches to add to your collection. Arguably, the king vintage Universal Geneve is the Cairelli Split-Seconds chronograph. Developed and manufactured in the ’50s, this purpose built tool watch was created for Italian Air Force navigators.

Universal Genève Cairelli Split-Seconds-2

Immediately, we see that this watch was, in many ways, ahead of its time and this is apparent considering the massive 44mm case diameter. This watch was designed to be highly legible and easy to use in a pinch, hence the larger size. Another charming feature is the 24 hour dial layout, which exhibits the watch’s military roots and separates it visually from its civilian counterpart, the Rolex ref. 4113. These traits make it extremely collectible and the example we had a chance to handle had a clean, crisp dial that showcased the bold Arabic numerals beautifully.

Universal Genève Cairelli Split-Seconds-3

Inside is the 17 jewel Valjoux 55, the same movement powering the Rolex ref. 4113, which sold in excess of $1 million at a Christie’s auction back in 2011. The blued hands are also a stunning feature and compliment the open dial space without negatively affecting legibility. There are two registers for the chronograph complication and no additional chronograph scale, which is an interesting choice that results in an even cleaner look. Really, there’s nothing quite like it even if you compare it to the Rolex ref. 4113.

Universal Genève Cairelli Split-Seconds-1

Aside from the highly-complex nature of split second chronographs, the added rarity of the Universal Genève Cairelli Split-Seconds just makes it that much more intriguing. Pair that with true military heritage and you have one of the most collectible vintage watches of all time. And while most collectors will probably turn this into a safe queen, the larger size makes it very wearable by today’s standards, an issue that really stumps the charm for other vintage watches.

It will be interesting to witness just how popular the vintage Universal Geneve collecting trend gets. There’s certainly room for growth and watches like the Universal Genève Cairelli Split-Second Chronograph really show off how special the brand really is.

Save