UNIVERSAL GENÈVE, RETAILED BY GOBBI, MILANO. A HIGHLY RARE AND OVERSIZED STAINLESS STEEL SINGLE-BUTTON CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BLACK MULTISCALE DIAL AND STOP/START/LOCKING MECHANISM
UNIVERSAL GENÈVE, RETAILED BY GOBBI, MILANO. A HIGHLY RARE AND OVERSIZED STAINLESS STEEL SINGLE-BUTTON CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BLACK MULTISCALE DIAL AND STOP/START/LOCKING MECHANISM
UNIVERSAL GENÈVE, RETAILED BY GOBBI, MILANO. A HIGHLY RARE AND OVERSIZED STAINLESS STEEL SINGLE-BUTTON CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BLACK MULTISCALE DIAL AND STOP/START/LOCKING MECHANISM
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UNIVERSAL GENÈVE 'EXTRA' CHRONOGRAPH RETAILED BY GOBBI, MILANO
UNIVERSAL GENÈVE, RETAILED BY GOBBI, MILANO. A HIGHLY RARE AND OVERSIZED STAINLESS STEEL SINGLE-BUTTON CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BLACK MULTISCALE DIAL AND STOP/START/LOCKING MECHANISM

'EXTRA' CHRONOGRAPH MODEL, CASE NO. 551'436, CIRCA 1933

Details
UNIVERSAL GENÈVE, RETAILED BY GOBBI, MILANO. A HIGHLY RARE AND OVERSIZED STAINLESS STEEL SINGLE-BUTTON CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BLACK MULTISCALE DIAL AND STOP/START/LOCKING MECHANISM
'EXTRA' CHRONOGRAPH MODEL, CASE NO. 551'436, CIRCA 1933
Movement: Manual
Dial: Black, signed 'Gobbi, Milano'
Case: 37.5 mm. diam.
With: Additional associated chrome-plated 'F.B. D.R.P' ladder bracelet, overall length approximately 155 mm.
Remark: From the family of the original owner

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Lot Essay

This exceptionally rare and oversized Universal Genève chronograph wristwatch from 1933 is a remarkable example of early chronograph design and craftsmanship. Measuring an impressive and stately 37.5 mm., the stainless steel case houses a striking black semi-gloss dial with elegant white Breguet numerals, matching Breguet hands, and intricate multiscale calibrations. The single-button chronograph operates through the upper pusher, while the lower pusher functions as a stop and start mechanism while the chronograph is running, avoiding it from resetting to '0'. While the chronograph is at rest, it can double as a locking mechanism—an overall highly unusual and desirable configuration. Very few examples of this timepiece are known, and this particular watch, coming directly from the family of the original owner, bears the prestigious retailer signature 'Gobbi, Milano,' further underscoring its rarity and historical importance.

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