Universal Genève Revives the Cabriolet with Five New Art Deco-Inspired Models

Universal Genève brings back its iconic Cabriolet, first introduced as the Ideo in 1933, blending historical Art Deco influences with modern craftsmanship. This reintroduction features five distinct models, categorized into the Prêt-à-Porter collection and a more exclusive Cabriolet Capsule. The original’s clean lines, geometric precision, and elegant typography are faithfully reinterpreted in these contemporary releases.

The Prêt-à-Porter series offers diverse styles, including a stainless steel version with a blue dial and a nine-row bracelet, a white dial paired with a rich dark brown alligator strap, an 18k rose gold model with a black dial and a matching bracelet, and a stunning red dial encased in a diamond-set case with a ruby-red strap. Each timepiece boasts a transparent caseback, offering a glimpse into its intricate mechanics, with options for personalized engravings in Cassandre's Bifur typeface or bespoke miniature paintings. The pinnacle of artistic expression is found in the Cabriolet Capsule, the 'Cabriolet De Lempicka,' which features a teal colorway, an 18k rose gold case, and a hand-painted miniature of Tamara de Lempicka’s artwork on the caseback, meticulously crafted by miniaturist Isabelle Villa. This limited edition comprises 15 pieces, each showcasing one of three unique artworks.

All models share a distinctive hinged, reversible case design that allows for opening, pivoting, and closing, a nod to the original’s innovative architecture. The updated case includes a slightly concave caseback for enhanced ergonomic comfort. The rectangular case houses vertically aligned numerals in the Cassandre style, complemented by a small seconds dial at six o'clock. Consistent dimensions across the range—24.2mm wide, 45mm lug-to-lug, and a mere 8mm thick—ensure a sleek profile, further enhanced by 100 meters of water resistance. Powering these exquisite timepieces is the new Universal Genève caliber UG-111, a manually wound movement with a thickness of just 3mm, operating at 3 Hz with a variable-inertia balance and providing a robust 72-hour power reserve. Pricing for these masterworks ranges from approximately $12,500 for the stainless steel, blue-dial model to $64,500 for the limited edition, fully set white gold Cabriolet Capsule.

The reintroduction of the Cabriolet line by Universal Genève celebrates enduring design and meticulous craftsmanship. These timepieces exemplify how historical elegance can be seamlessly integrated with modern innovation, offering enthusiasts and collectors a blend of heritage and contemporary style. Each watch is not merely an instrument for telling time but a wearable piece of art, reflecting a commitment to excellence and a deep appreciation for the artistry of horology.