How accurate are Universal Genève serial number dates?

Verified ranges extend to 1972 with a maximum of 3,000,000. Ranges above that are shown as estimates for orientation.

Where is the serial number located?

Typically on the caseback (inside or outside) and on the movement bridge or main plate. A watchmaker can safely open the case if needed.

Which models are most collectible?

Polerouter family, Compax and Tri-Compax chronographs, Space-Compax sport chronographs, and the Golden/White Shadow lines.

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Universal Genève Serial Number Lookup

Universal Genève Serial Number Lookup & Collector’s Guide — Experts Watches

Universal Genève Serial Number Lookup & Collector’s Guide

Benchmark-verified serials to 1972 (max 3,000,000). Extended ranges are conservative estimates and clearly marked.

Serial number dating table

Verified ranges to 1972 (maximum 3,000,000). Extended ranges are conservative estimates for orientation only. estimate

Serial number range	Approximate year
500,000 – 599,999	1930 – 1936
600,000 – 699,999	1936 – 1938
700,000 – 799,999	1938 – 1941
800,000 – 899,999	1941 – 1942
900,000 – 999,999	1942 – 1943
1,000,000 – 1,099,999	1943 – 1945
1,100,000 – 1,199,999	1945
1,200,000 – 1,299,999	1945 – 1946
1,300,000 – 1,399,999	1946 – 1949
1,400,000 – 1,499,999	1949 – 1951
1,500,000 – 1,599,999	1951 – 1952
1,600,000 – 1,699,999	1952 – 1955
1,700,000 – 1,799,999	1955 – 1956
1,800,000 – 1,899,999	1956 – 1957
1,900,000 – 1,999,999	1957 – 1959
2,000,000 – 2,099,999	1959 – 1960
2,100,000 – 2,199,999	1960 – 1961
2,200,000 – 2,299,999	1961 – 1963
2,300,000 – 2,399,999	1963 – 1965
2,400,000 – 2,499,999	1965 – 1966
2,500,000 – 2,699,999	1966 – 1968
2,700,000 – 2,749,999	1968 – 1969
2,750,000 – 3,000,000	1969 – 1972
3,000,001 – 3,200,000	1972 – 1975 estimate
3,200,001 – 3,400,000	1975 – 1978 estimate
3,400,001 – 3,600,000	1978 – 1980 estimate

Quick serial lookup

Where to find your serial

Caseback: On the exterior or inside of a screw-back; check lugs and inner back for stamped numbers.
Movement: On the bridge or main plate; requires opening the case (have a watchmaker do this if unsure).
Reference vs. serial: Reference identifies the model; serial dates production. Capture both for authentication and service records.

Key models & references

Years indicate initial family introduction; notable references are representative, not exhaustive.

Model family	Introduced	Functions / features	Notable references
Compax	1935	Three-register chronograph; early caliber innovations	22297, 22409, 22706
Uni-Compax	1930s	Two-register chronograph	124103, 22279
Dato-Compax	1940s	Chronograph with date indication	Compax-based variants
Aero-Compax	1940s	Pilot chronograph; time-planning sub-dial	22417, 22522
Tri-Compax	1944	Chronograph + triple calendar + moonphase	Various mid-century refs
Polerouter	1954	Gérald Genta design; micro-rotor automatic	20214-6, 20357
Golden / White Shadow	1965	Ultra-thin micro-rotor automatics	166100, 866102
Space-Compax	1960s	Sport chronograph; high-contrast dials	885104/01

Brand history

Founded in 1894, Universal Genève gained prominence through elegant design and technical innovation. The Compax family of chronographs (1930s onward) and the Tri-Compax (1944) cemented the brand’s reputation for balanced complexity and wearable sizes. The Polerouter (1954), designed by Gérald Genta, introduced the micro-rotor architecture — a benchmark in slim automatic movements. In the 1960s Universal continued to diversify into sport and professional chronographs, while perfecting ultra-thin models in the Shadow family. Serial production approached the 3,000,000 mark by the early 1970s, which forms the limit of verified ranges used here.

FAQs

How accurate are these dates? Verified ranges extend to 1972 (max 3,000,000). Ranges above are estimates and labelled accordingly.
Case vs. movement numbers? Always record both. Service parts and movement swaps can create mismatches.
Condition & originality? Dials, hands, crowns, and bracelets materially affect value. Provenance increases desirability.
Need expert help? For high-value pieces use our Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program for authentication and service.