Universal Genève Caliber 1-66 – Ref. 1626: A Rare Glimpse into Transitional Swiss Watchmaking

The Universal Genève Caliber 1-66, found in Reference 1626, is one of the brand’s lesser-known but technically significant early manual-wind movements. Produced during the mid-20th century, it marks a transitional phase in the evolution of Universal’s hand-wound calibers—bridging the gap between their early compact movements and the more refined post-war constructions.

The designation “1-66” suggests a variant or refinement of the Caliber 66, a small and reliable movement used extensively in pre-war and early post-war watches. The “1-” prefix indicates an internal revision or generation step, likely involving improvements in finishing, balance stability, or shock protection. Although data on the 1-66 is relatively scarce, its construction and application in Ref. 1626 highlight Universal Genève’s ongoing commitment to quality and mechanical consistency—even in their simplest models.

Compact Size, Purposeful Design

The Caliber 1-66 is a manual-wind movement with a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, designed primarily for slim, time-only watches. At a time when wristwatches were growing more popular and expected to be both stylish and dependable, this caliber met the demand for mechanically straightforward, serviceable, and elegant timepieces.

It was used in refined dress watches and formal pieces, especially where thinness and clarity were key priorities. Though not complicated, the movement exemplifies the era’s engineering focus: durability in a compact form.

Technical Specifications

• Caliber: 1-66

• Type: Manual-wind

• Jewels: 15

• Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour (vph)

• Power Reserve: Approx. 38–40 hours

• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o’clock

With 15 jewels, the movement includes jewel bearings at critical friction points—sufficient to support longevity and accuracy in a time-only caliber. The beat rate of 18,000 vph reflects the standard for its time, offering a balance between energy efficiency and regulation stability.

The layout is clean and functional, with visible screw-mounted bridges and a traditional gear train. Finishing is minimal but precise—often rhodium- or nickel-plated, with polished steel elements.

Ref. 1626 – Clean, Understated Elegance

The Reference 1626 was built around this small and reliable movement, often in round, slim cases with diameters typically between 30 and 32 mm. These dimensions were ideal for dress watches in the 1940s and 1950s, worn tucked neatly under shirt cuffs. Depending on market and pricing tier, the cases were produced in stainless steel, gold-plated, or solid gold.

Dial designs are typically minimalist, featuring:

• Printed or applied Arabic numerals or stick markers

• Railroad-style minute tracks

• Small seconds at 6 o’clock

• Leaf or dauphine hands

The overall presentation is refined and timeless, in line with Universal Genève’s mid-century aesthetic philosophy. Casebacks were snap-fit and sometimes included movement and reference numbers stamped inside.

Reliability and Maintenance

The 1-66 movement is well-regarded among watchmakers for its ease of servicing. Its straightforward construction makes disassembly, cleaning, and lubrication relatively simple. While certain replacement parts may require donor movements due to the age, the overall robustness of the design ensures long-term performance when properly maintained.

Watches fitted with this movement can still perform reliably, keeping acceptable daily time for vintage wristwatches when regulated correctly.

Collector Interest

While not as widely collected as Universal’s chronographs or Polerouters, watches with Caliber 1-66—particularly Ref. 1626—hold strong historical value. They represent a less-documented but mechanically solid era in the brand’s development. For vintage enthusiasts interested in clean time-only pieces with authentic mid-century Swiss roots, these watches are attractive acquisitions.

Due to their small size and elegant design, they also make excellent unisex vintage pieces for collectors who appreciate subtlety and heritage.

Final Thoughts

The Universal Genève Caliber 1-66, as seen in Reference 1626, stands as a quiet but meaningful chapter in the brand’s mechanical evolution. With its compact design, reliable performance, and elegant application in vintage dress watches, it reflects the principles that made Universal Genève a respected name in 20th-century horology. For collectors drawn to timeless simplicity and authentic Swiss craftsmanship, it remains a worthwhile discovery.