UNIVERSAL GENÈVE MILITARY "WILHELMINA" WATCH CA. 1942

The Universal Genève "Wilhelmina" is a rare and iconic military watch, designed in 1939 for the Royal Netherlands Army at the dawn of the Second World War. Commissioned against a backdrop of growing tension in Europe, it embodies the alliance between Swiss watchmaking expertise and the operational requirements of the Dutch armed forces.

Its name derives from Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands (reign: 1890-1948), a figure of resistance during the war. The crowned initial "W", visible on the dial, pays tribute to her authority and symbolic role in national defense. This rare marking makes it an object steeped in history, both military and royal.

Technically, the watch features a 30 mm chromed steel case with fixed attachments, designed to withstand field conditions. The black dial is adorned with painted Arabic numerals and luminous hands, ensuring excellent legibility. It is powered by a hand-wound mechanical movement - the Universal Genève 262 caliber, renowned for its reliability.

Delivery of these watches to the army began just before the German invasion in May 1940. Due to the speed of the conflict and the occupation, very few survived. This makes the Wilhelmina extremely rare, all the more so as it bears the marks of a dramatic era, marked by mobilization, resistance and exile.

Today, the Universal Genève Wilhelmina is highly prized not only by collectors of military watches, but also by history buffs. It represents a tangible testimony to the Netherlands' struggle to preserve its sovereignty on the eve of war.

Manufacturer: Universal Genève
Model: Military
Reference: N/A
Year: Circa 1942
Materials: Steel
Dimensions: Diameter 30 mm Height 37 mm
Caliber: Mechanical Caliber 262, Universal Genève
Strap: New black Perlon 16 mm wide
Box/paper: No