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You are here: Home / Movements / Universal 6:00 Monopusher

Universal 6:00 Monopusher

Last Update: December 1, 2022

Brand:Martel, Universal
Family:
Universal Monopusher Chronograph Family
Height:
Jewels:17
Reserve: hours
Frequency:
Winding:Hand winding
Diameter: (16.75 ligne)
 Universal 16.75 ligne monopusher Complications:6-Column Chronograph, Chronograph, Column Wheel Chronograph, Monopusher Chronograph
Hands:30 Minute Chronograph Hand at 3:00, Central 60 Second Chronograph Hand, Central Hour Hand, Central Minute Hand, Small Seconds Hand at 9:00
Distinguishing Technical Characteristics
Hand-Winding
Counter-Clockwise Balance Cock
Indexed Regulator
6-Column Chronograph
Balance at 12:00
Column Wheel at 6:00
Production: 1916 – 1931
1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s
This 1916 Martel ad shows a nearly-identical watch with pusher at 6:00

Universal produced monopusher chronograph wristwatches using four distinct movements: A 15.25”’ movement with a pusher co-axial with the crown at 3:00, this 16.75”’ movement with the pusher at 6:00, a 16”’ movement with the pusher at 2:00, and a 14.5”’ movement with the pusher at 2:00.

It is likely that the latter three movements were produced by Martel, since they share some design characteristics with later movements produced by the company. The 16.75 ligne movement is nearly a mirror image of the 15.25 ligne movement, and both were produced at the same time. A 1916 ad for Martel Watch Co. shows a nearly-identical chronograph wristwatch, complete with pusher at 6:00, suggesting the source of this movement.

The 16.75 ligne chronograph is unusual in that it uses a pusher at 6:00 (between the lugs) to control the chronograph function. The first images of this movement date to 1916, and it appears that this was the earliest wrist chronograph produced by Universal, officially in 1917. It remains in Martel advertisements through 1931, disappearing just before the first appearance of the more-refined 2:00 monopushers. A period advertisement (below) shows that the movement had 17 jewels and a Breguet spiral hairspring.

Image: Universal Watch Genève

Omega used a movement with an extremely similar design in the 1910s. Their 18”’ CHRO also had the pusher between the lugs at 6:00. Omega reissued this watch with classic movements in 2018.

1913 Omega 18 CHRO
Universal 16.75 ligne monopusher
Images are taken from official publications and are used here for commentary and educational purposes. Copyright is held by the original owner as noted.

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