Universal Genève, "Golden Janus Cabriolet", series of 10 unique commemorative pieces, produced expressly for the 100th Anniversary of Universal in April 1994. Very fine rectangular, two time-zone with diurnal and nocturnal indication, jumping-hour, platinum and 18ct pink gold "cabriolet" gentleman's wristwatch with fitted box and certificate. | Important Collector's Wristwatches and Watches | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 9th April 1994

Important Collector's Wristwatches an...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 09, 1994

LOT 148

Universal Genève, "Golden Janus Cabriolet", series of 10 unique commemorative pieces, produced expressly for the 100th Anniversary of Universal in April 1994. Very fine rectangular, two time-zone with diurnal and nocturnal indication, jumping-hour, platinum and 18ct pink gold "cabriolet" gentleman's wristwatch with fitted box and certificate.

CHF 18,000 - 22,000

Sold: CHF 29,900

C. massive, polished, outer case in platinum, on the top lug, at 12 o'clock, rotating system for the " cabriolet", on the back, the Universal Watch logo and the effigy of "Janus", inside, the dedication "100 ans de tradition horlogère, 1894-1994, Modèle unique". Inner case in 18ct pink gold, bearing two crowns on one side for the separation of the functions, and one on the other side to adjust ail the functions of both dials, screwed bars. At 6 o'clock, a platinum boit engraved on one side : 1894 and on the other one 1994, serving in the same time to fix the inner case to the platinum body. D. on one side, bluegrey mother of pearl with painted Arabic numerals and indexes. Feuille pink gold hands. On the other side, blue-grey mother of pearl bearing two pink auxiliary dials with painted Arabic numerals and indexes for the minutes and the seconds, apertures for the jumping-hour and the diurnal and nocturnal hours. M. 8 3/4"' cal. 42, rhodiumed, 17 jewels, lever escapement, Glucidur balance adjusted to 3 positions, Incabloc system, selfcompensating flat balance-spring. Dial, case and movement signed. In mint condition. Dim. 26,5 x 43 mm.

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Janus was an ancient Deity of the Roman Mythology, God of the doors but also of the entrances and the exits, protecting the travel from one place to another, literally and symbolically has become, through the times, the God of the passing from a time to another. He gave his name to the month of January. Some traditions pretend that he was the greatest among the Gods. His temple was opened during the wars and closed during peace times. Janus is usually represented with two heads in profile, turned right and left. Such as the God with two faces venerated at the time of the Antique Rome, the "Janus" by Universal has two faces as well. This "cabriolet" watch is inspired by the model created by Universal in the 1920's, the rotation system of which is very similar. Out of this series of 10 unique pieces, after keen negociations, Antiquorum succeeded to obtain from Universal Watch, 4 examples for the "100 Years Universal" thematic auction.