Universal Genève New Microtor UG 101 (New Dial Versions)

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Representing a logical and highly anticipated follow-up to the Microtor UG 100, launched in 2006, the Microtor UG 101, launched the following year featured three new characteristics: equipped with an even more efficient movement, it was made of steel and series-produced in the spirit of the original Geneva-based “Manufacture”.

Like all Universal Genève timepieces, the Microtor UG 101 is a clever blend of traditional spirit and contemporary technologies. Beneath an exterior that has been subtly redefined in comparison with its predecessor, it houses a movement automatically wound by an extremely high-quality off-centred micro-rotor, crafted in harmony with the tradition of Microtor calibres. Witness in particular the circular Côtes de Genève finish and the raised engraving on the bridges. While the dials evoked vintage timepieces, particularly in the wave shaped stamped guilloché motif in the centre, or the blue minute-circle, they were designed in an unmistakably contemporary spirit.

Until now, the Microtor UG 101 was available up with silver-coloured, anthracite or black dials. From 2009 onwards the watch will be available with white or black-painted and semi-brilliant varnished dials.

These two new faces radiate a sense of airy lightness and purity thanks to longer and slenderer anthracite varnished numerals and hour markers in blue (for the white version) and grey-rimmed white (for the black version).

While the date window is still positioned at 3 o’clock, the minute circle which was centred on the 2007 models now appears around the dial circumference in 4-minute sections interpolated between the main hour-markers. Only the 6 and 12 o’clock numerals emerge, thereby further reinforcing the character of this watch, and a new bracelet.

Stemming from two full years of development, the steel bracelet is making its first appearance in the Microtor UG 101 range this year. Designed exclusively for this timepiece and entirely made in Switzerland using state-of-the-art technologies, it is also intended to equip the other models in the range. This central link features a satin-brushed edge, while the two side links are bevelled and diamond-polished to ensure optimal articulation.

The bracelet is adjusted to the wrist size by means of four screw-fastened extension links and three smaller links enabling fine adjustment. There too, designers were clearly concerned with creating a bracelet radiating both strength (3.75 mm-thick) and comfort, thanks to a harmoniously curved clasp. Contrary to the previous UG 100 and UG 101 models, the buckle is of the folding kind, although these models are also available on black crocodile leather or black Barenia leather straps.

Technical details

Model: MICROTOR UG 101

Movement
Proprietary Calibre 11½ lines Microtor UG 101 movement with automatic winding by an off-centred micro-oscillating weight. Rhodium-plated bridges decorated with circular “Côtes de Genève”
Power reserve: 42 hours
Frequency: 28,800 v/h (4Hz)
Jewels: 30 jewels

Displays
Central hour, minute and seconds hands; date at 3 o’clock

Reference model: 8101.126/368.AL

Dials
White lacquered, hour-markers and numerals transferred, painted in blue and grey-rimmed

Hands
HM: dauphine-type, diamond-polished and rhodium-plated
SC: parfil-type in blue steel

Case
Round in 316L stainless steel, cambered sapphire crystal, exclusive crown and transparent case back enable to admire the finishing of the movement.
Water-resistant to 50 meters (5 ATM)

Bracelet
Stainless steel
Available also with black crocodile leather strap or with black calfskin leather strap

Reference model: 8101.126/938.AL

Dial
Black lacquered, hour-markers and numerals transferred, painted in white and grey-rimmed

Hands
HM: dauphine-type, diamond-polished and rhodium-plated
SC: parfil-type in flat-polished steel

Case
Round in 316L stainless steel, cambered sapphire crystal, exclusive crown and transparent case back enable to admire the finishing of the movement.
Water-resistant to 50 meters (5 ATM)

Bracelet
Stainless steel
Available also with black crocodile leather strap or with black calfskin leather strap