A Masterpiece Under $1000: Forget The Royal Oak & Patek Nautilus - THIS Was Genta's Greatest Watch!

Today I return to Gerald Genta and his iconic watches, to discuss his most underrated masterpiece that you can still buy today for under $1000. In this video I unbox an absolute gem and discuss where it fits in among his most famous watches, including the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Patek Nautilus, and many more. In doing so, I also found that this watch went on to inspire one of Patek's most iconic dress watches from the last fifty years. And with Keanu Reeves making the Patek Golden Ellipse popular and desirable again, it's never been a better time to enjoy this somewhat overlooked watch from Universal Geneve. But there's a plot twist. Aside from being influential and ahead of its time, inside this watch was the thinnest, record breaking, automatic in-house movement during the 1960s and 1970s. What do you think of the watch featured in this video? And what is your favorite Genta designed watch, and why? Please share in the comments!
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[@joecognac3791]

Love how you fuse art history and watch history into your reviews. Thanks TGV!!

[@theurbangentry]

🙌🙌🙌🙌 Thank you, I deeply appreciate that, they are the most important things to me along side horology. O&U! Best regards, TGV

[@74haydo]

@@theurbangentry I second that TGV... social media flexing grinds me as well. Greeds communication pathway. Onwards and upwards gents.

[@alexm2113]

Universal Geneve has some criminally underrated vintage pieces out there for sure. I hope they one day embrace their past and start re-releasing their most iconic models.

[@ajbones4207]

Yes, I couldn't have said it better and perhaps the Watch Gods will listen to our prayers. Cheers!

[@ozmondos]

Yes quite a few vintage watch brands has been revived such as Zodiac, Yema, Nivada, Vulcain etc. It's time for Universal Geneve to be revived again.

[@HRM.H]

I pray they revive their inhouse movements as well. Would be cool to see another new microrotor movement besides Yema.

[@DavidDatura]

I’m actually surprised they haven’t made a concerted push at a comeback. They’re such an iconic brand name with great history and some very nice designs in their archives. And over the last few years, we’ve been seeing some major comebacks from formerly defunct classic brands. That have been very successful. Universal Genève or whoever owns them nowadays should of led this push, but they didn’t 🤷‍♂️

[@biggiebeil5118]

Eric clapton one of them, watch it out in future

[@hawkeye454]

TGV your videos are not only informative but a true work of art. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights with us fellow watch lovers. Cheers.

[@theurbangentry]

🙏🙏🙏 Thank you so much Wes, you are an absolute gent. Best regards, TGV

[@toddmurphy523]

This Universal White Shadow you recently purchased should never leave your collection. The pristine condition most likely would be difficult to find again. Plus, you were born for this watch. It is so "you'. Classic and elegant.

[@optule]

My grandfather was a airforce pilot and he received a Universal Geneve Aero Compax from the 1950s which is now mine...not in working condition but has a beautiful patina dial ...stayed in box on a shelf for the last 30 years but it's what got me into watches and now here i am 😁

[@thestevepbrady]

Cool history lesson this week. I'm relatively new to the watch game and I can't even begin to tell you how much I have learned from this channel. I'm chuffed to bits! =)

[@ndukaolise]

I discovered Universal Genève through this channel (totally in love with many of their pieces 👌🏾), and you have now exposed me to yet another absolute masterpiece!! 😍 Sei bravissimo signore Gentry, grazie mille!! 🙌🏾😊

[@Javi_C]

Makes my day a lot better when TGV uploads 😊

[@edmiller873]

I wholeheartedly agree.

[@gregnatividad8345]

Such a classic watch. Such a class review as always. If you do ever sell that, TGV, I’d be happy to give it a new home

[@ericohlsson2181]

I’m watching this stunning video right now-good show, as always. Thank you for the history, photos, and production values-A++. Also, and perhaps just as important, great hair style today!!😊

[@4evalost948]

I love this video and how you talk about this watch if I had to place a bet I put my money on that most people have no idea that the Universal was the catalyst for the Patek case shape the amount of history about watches is remarkable almost no one goes into the level of detailed history to you. You are really are a master when it comes to watch history and plus is that your intros are so funny see you next video.

[@HRM.H]

I personally love the universal geneve cal 2-66. It's absolutely stunning and runs quite accurate as well.

[@theurbangentry]

🙌🙌🙌🙌 I can totally see why you love it, amazing bit of tech. Thank you Thomas, Best regards, TGV

[@Nxs12-t1x]

Can you provide me with the differences with Cal 1-66?

[@daneconnelly]

The white shadow is amazing. These oval shape case and dial watches are on the rise. Get them while you still can.

[@General_Mills_]

My white shadow is probably my favorite watch ! Very understated and yet very fine horology with historical importance

[@farshidrahmani6262]

Good afternoon and thank you for brightening this already lovely day with another gem of a video sir! Cheers 🥂

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you my friend, always happy to see you in the comments, enjoy and chin chin 😎🥂 Best regards, TGV

[@acefire6422]

So many Gentry Easter eggs in that intro, have to watch it multiple times to see them all! New haircut looks sharp Guvnor👌

[@Stockholmspatriot]

The best watch content on the tube, interesting watches, history, interviews and impressive video as usual.

[@jordanmackie117]

TGV, thank you so much for introducing me to so many new types of watches, especially in the under £1000 bracket! Always love your enthusiasm!

[@Mans1810]

TGV is definitely a man of taste. And I didn't wait for this episode to know it. This is a true gem.

[@pedrodepaula2471]

Superb as always! Thank you very much for the effort

[@jebbytunnelcoats1182]

Suddenly from left field one of the greatest watches in the history of the channel. No hints it was coming but these impulse buys often end up being favourites and lifelong keepers. Totally stunning piece.

[@lawrenceh7182]

Just bought my first UG Polerouter last week, with the 215 caliber. Always wanted me but was worried the 33.5mm x 42.5mm version I was after from 57-59 was too small. Suffice to say it’s gorgeous! White shadow is on my shortlist for the next acquisition. Insanely overlooked pieces. Finding a minty one is the challenge though!

[@markgreenhalgh943]

Love the comparison between the actor and watch. Nicely put. Well expressed.

[@johncalberg1573]

What a splendid intro. Love it. Interesting with the Universal history. I was not aware of that. Thx

[@ExpeditedProductions]

TGV, I am yet again amazed. All of your videos are wonderful, but sometimes you just leave me scratching my head wondering how on earth did I not know this already! Even more so, how the heck do you find all this information! Sometimes I feel like I live under a rock. It is what keeps me in love with this hobby, just when you think you are beginning to know a fair bit about watches and the history of the…..you realize you have only scratched the surface. The White Shadow…..I am speechless. I didn’t even know it existed and now I am besotted. Utterly smitten. What a unique and supremely elegant piece. You have outdone yourself. I was so exceedingly overwhelmed by both my ignorance and the piece that it took me five days to respond to the video. Love the new haircut, my man. Looks great. Thank you, as always, for such an enlightening video. Onward and upward. Be well, my friend.

[@lackster458]

Another belter of a video. Very informative and entertaining to boot! Bravo 👏

[@manxology]

Always TOP NOTCH production! Thanks.

[@KitWatch96]

Another great videos TGV! Liking the new trim too.

[@satya.anandakrishnan]

Hi TGV! Great to see you! Hope you are having a great day. Always love to see you upload because it brightens my day. Keep it up mate

[@theurbangentry]

That makes it all worth it, thank you so much for sharing that. Best regards, TGV

[@deanwoods9294]

Thanks for shining a light on this beautiful watch! I had not heard of it before this video

[@3000FAst]

Always high quality content. Nice video and amazing history lesson. Thanks.

[@timedwards8171]

I think universal has such an interesting back catalog and might be on the verge of rereleasing some of their classics

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

They should, if they play it right they have a rich history and design catalog...

[@faizalhakim3772]

Saw this one coming after the Keanu Reeves eclipse review. Looks beautiful 🤩

[@ericcarvalho3280]

A Cartier Santos with a black turtleneck, great dress jacket and pajama pants TGV got the style we all dream of. Besides that, thank you for having the best watch education videos. When I speak to others about watches they always ask how I know all these watch facts. Your great research and the willingness to share is about 50% of the watch knowledge I've accrued over the years. As a watch lover and history buff your channel is a constant to look forward to. Keep being the man TGV.

[@no1fibersplicer525]

Tristan. I hope this finds you well. I have my great grandfathers Hamilton pocket watch. That has an issue with the escapement. When you wind it it completely unwinds immediately. Can you recommend a place to repair pocket watches. Wow, how you’ve grown. I remember when it was a little over 100 subscribers and Archie and those guys said you’d never make it. Look who’s still here now! Love ya

[@puravmody]

Absolutely love the review and the watch !! Your content is so original and unique . Absolutely love it . Ps nice change in hairstyle !

[@g999bg999b]

Super content, thanks TGV! You make very strong points in tracing a lineage between the UG White shadow and the PP Ellipse... I learned so much about Genta in your video - much more than I originally knew for sure.

[@sonbnd6180]

Nobody is gonna talk about the hilarious clip in the beginning?? Well played Sir !

[@tamastakacs]

I wish Universal Geneve a great comeback. Love their designs.

[@goaztecs7549]

I like the new hair style! Lookin' sharp my man👍 And of course, great video as usual. Cheers!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you my friend! Onwards and upwards! 😎🥂 Best regards, TGV

[@Mare14lj]

Hi TGV another great video and educational content like this is why we follow you, keep up with great work. I have just acquired Gilt Shadow from cca. 1969 with 2-66 caliber ( arriving in 3 days, can't wait ) and wodering if you know how much power reserve this movement has, can't find any data. Thanks

[@kjeldpedersen666]

Hi TGV Truly a wonderful piece. I sense that the trend goes more towards dress watches lately, maybe as a consequence of smaller pieces being in again. And you’re right, this one could easily be used in a wider range of situations and dress codes. It’s simple as well as elegant... Keep up the good work👍

[@ryanm9554]

That is so beautiful!! Would love to see Universal Geneve come back and reissue all the legendary designs. Some of the best chronograph designs ever made!

[@Marco_Polo790]

Fantastic looking watch, a great choice . Thanks, TGV, for the great videos.

[@rain3304]

nice find. I love these vintages watches I often wonder what it would cost to make one today.

[@RogerMillerInVA]

In fact, this entire episode is a new high. A gorgeous piece of work!

[@carloandyanne7019]

When I see TGV putting up a new video, I quickly run to the kitchen and prepare my tea coz I know this content is going to be a good one! Cheers!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you so much! 😊 🙏🙏 Best regards, TGV

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Congratulations, That is a lovely watch. A touch of pure class in a world of crude excess. Unbelievable value too.

[@BongoManal]

Thank you so much for sharing such gems!

[@heikowallauer]

Hello TGV, congratulations on your purchase of the White Shadow! a beautiful elegant watch, and I would even go so far as to say that you can wear the watch very flexibly with different outfits. Maybe not necessarily with a tracksuit, but not only as a dress watch. It would also go well with a sporty leather jacket or a Harrington jacket. And I find the movement itself particularly beautiful. Thank you for the review and the history behind the White Shadow. Best regards!

[@gomerthefirst]

I'll never in my life be able to afford a Santos. That said, I'm so glad a gentleman such as yourself is able to own and appreciate it. Another fantastic video TGV. Slàinte Mhath 🍻

[@emaeder18]

So Glad Darling is back lol. Great looking watch, amazing design and has always suits you very well!

[@markwolfson2023]

Wow, you may have opened up a grand Universal Revival!! Outstanding!!!

[@sweetd5953]

Wow, beautiful watch. The more I learn about vintage watches the harder it becomes to appreciate modern watches. Love the new haircut. My exact haircut if I had hair. Cheers. 🍻

[@stenut2895]

So happy you’ve looked at UG again. Been in love with their watches since I purchased a 1968 Unisonic. Currently having it serviced, I didn’t realise how good the dial work was until my watch maker sent me magnified pictures. Superb watches that offer great value to the more refined collector.

[@YouTudey]

The DRIP god himself!! Love your videos Brahhjjj!! Keep up the good work 🎉

[@klausm5460]

Hey TGV, speaking of nostalgia, I have been watching some older videos of yours and was reninded of the times when I got into the hobby back in 2017 - binge-watching Seiko/Citizen/Orient/Hamilton duel reviews with the yellow notepad and the clock leaflet as cover. It was very cool to learn about the different brands and genres and even though you can be proud of your achievements in video quality and sophistication up until now that earlier TUG stuff gives me watch newbie vibes you can't reproduce after years of experiences, watching new content and of course watch purchases. Nostalgia is really strange.

[@squeege0711]

I have an Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman sitting up my high rise apartment overlooking the city solely because of Fraiser too. My reward for hitting a financial milestone before 30yrs old. Watches came second afterwards lol Love the Fibonacci reference to design! Long live the White Shadow. Cheers

[@davidhalesmith2491]

TREMENDOUS video and cracking watch. I'm on the hunt for a good one!

[@nietzschegustav1397]

In old UGWC fashion …. Best video since month 🙌🏼 greetings From Germany 🇩🇪 TGV

[@bigosbro21]

You are the only person, beside myself, that I have ever heard speak of Destination Wedding or how funny it was. Also a huge fan of Keanu in general. How can you not like - or at the very least, respect - a guy of that caliber.

[@amankozha9778]

Almost first! Busy week ahead, I hope see it full soon)! Thanks for the content, Sir TGV! Take care!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Very cool piece, your content is always top notch brother 👏 ❤

[@kgfjser]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your taste and knowledge

[@davecypress]

Viewers here are treated to not just a watch review but a complete ‘wine flight’ of classic TGV - chrono history, Italian design, arts, cinema, and attire - expertly produced! This installment deserves to be set on replay and enjoyed for hours. Game over.

[@TheShane209]

Wow I’ve been looking for a watch to get for my best friends wedding, this may be it. Thanks again TGV

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

The intro was hilarious. Nicely executed 😂.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Joe, that means a lot coming from you. I hope you and your family are well. Best regards, TGV

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

@@theurbangentry absolutely. Hope Hugo and family are well as well. 😉👍

[@smokeybear69]

Super interesting video, never seen this watch before and it looks amazing, the case design is beguiling. Ohh I really want one!!! 😀👌🏻

[@peterzwegat5380]

Wow. That white shadow looks stunning! Great shots!

[@genehammond7239]

Keep up the hunt , your info given is invaluable !!! 😊👍👍

[@alexdiaz2003]

Thanks for bringing up Universal Geneve TGV! My father used to own one that would have passed on to me had not been stolen on a house raid 5 years ago. Best wishes! Onwards and upwards!

[@johnnyarsenault9124]

Superb documentary!👌❤️

[@UCZ15]

Damn, that watch is so thin. Unreal watchmaking. Also this new haircut suits you much better - looks slick!

[@enriqueparedespinel1694]

I really liked how much I learned in this video, thanks a lot TVG.

[@edhammond6911]

Love the new haircut. I was a hairstylist for 43 years.Your best look ever. SEIKO IS KING !!!

[@richardtwyning]

Another excellent intro and a very interesting video. I thought you would still be wearing the Panerai. I've been looking around for a suitable homage, but nothing seems to come close. We watched Dracula again last week. Brilliant film. The Universal Geneve isn't quite my preferred style of watch, as I tend to like more sporty watches, but the history of it was fascinating.

[@d.jacobush.7389]

I have owned a White Shadow too in the past. I wore it on a very dark red emu leather strap. It was a beautiful watch and very thin. The movement is a joy to look at.

[@wingi7722]

Wow! That is gorgeous! Understated pure class!

[@andyjhirsch]

The production value on these intros is insane

[@asankadesilva3636]

I thoroughly enjoyed today's content. What a lovely timepiece - very happy for you. Nice to hear that you are also a Frasier fan. Would love to hear your thoughts on the reboot scheduled for later this year. Cheers.

[@lucacadianalbert]

One again, great history lesson. Oh and love the new hair style T 🤌

[@TheFranticgamer]

It’s so thin. Really love the simplicity of the watch but it still maintains its elegance. Love seeing Hugo!!!

[@lebowskiunderachiever3591]

That is a beautiful watch. And again, thank you for the bit of history.

[@SvennHjartarson]

What a great watch. Even though the Burgundy color is not quite my taste, the watch is beautiful. Looking forward to see more of your designs in the coming future.

[@c.cabanilla8963]

Excellent video! Keep it coming!

[@justingalore123]

Brilliant video. I am struggling to find any example of an elliptical one with the cushion case like you have. Any tips on what to google?

[@mattys1467]

Hugo was on top form 👌 Another great hidden gem purchase. I suspect the price will start increasing on the back of this. Beautiful movement. Thanks TGV 😊 🙏

[@rafaelandreu]

Congratulations and wonderful video!

[@eazye619]

Stuck at home here in Dallas due to the weather so this is nice!

[@theurbangentry]

Get well my friend, hang in there! Onwards, upwards and best regards, TGV

[@dennismeehan11]

Great video with someone who understands the role of Universal. Many thanks. I bought an universal watch at an antique auction. A beautiful elegant watch for a song and my thought was that people skipped over it did to the name, Universal, must be ordinary and not known. Turns out it was made in 1972 full on 18K gold. I had read that it was the kind of watch diplomats wore. Recently I he 18:07 ard an interview with Evelyne Genta that many watches Gerald did were custom watches. A custom watch would be a one off. Yet where are the videos or articles addressing those watches? Mine is one of those. How would one know for sure. The Genta story is a great one but much remains to be told. Hopefully the Gerald Genta Heritage Foundation will build on that for those of us keen to know more. Many thanks again Hugo. Have a Merry Christmas.

[@RogerMillerInVA]

You and Hugo have reached a new high ... almost Pythonesque. A right couple of twits, you two!

[@nacho-ws1sn]

You really made me go from "meh I don't know" to "interesting, let's look them up" within 15 min 😂 Excellent video and watch

[@MichaelHeinrich1]

So you got your Santos back. Thank's to Hugo, he's such a reliable chap.

[@InGratitudeIam]

Simply fantastic intro! :) Now, where to service this beast?

[@patrickhartmann1540]

Wow! Great video for a great watch. Pure class!

[@karhuedc7233]

Excellent simple dressy masterpiece. BTW, aren't the two screws missing in the rotor?

[@jabba149]

Excellent start, as per old boy! Toodles for now but expect me back for a luncheon martini 😆

[@Pentonavalsolutions]

Que buena review!!!! Felicitaciones.

[@AJ-zm3zd]

Your comments about Keanu Reeves ring true. He gave my niece's husband a Submariner, along with the 4 other martial artists who were trainers & stunt men on the John Wick movies. He's a good guy by all accounts.

[@ilmostro16]

Let’s not forget about Ryan Gosling in the most excellent DRIVE with his Patek (fake?) dress watch being worn completely casually. Very cool! Maybe people are realizing that wearing a giant dive watch with a ceramic bezel they never use, with a 300m water rating with which they never even go swimming, just doesn’t make any sense and is gauche in a way?