Universal Geneve calibre 138 was developed by Marc Favre and manufactured exclusively for Universal Geneve as their first automatic watch. The design utilises a hammer automatic weight. The calibre 138 family:
138: sub second
138C: sub second, date
138SS, 139: sweep second
It does exist some Marc Favre watches with the 138, but these movements are completely unmarked.
Universal Geneve calibre: 138
- Made approximately: 1948-1955
- Made in Switzerland
- Power reserve 36h
- 17 Jewels
- 18000 B/A
- Lift angle 52°
- DM 28.20mm
- H 4.8mm
Surface finish is of high quality. All screws are polished to a very good mirror finish. The bridges are nicely finished with angled edges. The movement is Rhodium plated with gilt letter infill. Ratchet and crown wheel have a utilitarian finish. Jewel count of 17 is a little low for a automatic.
Top surface finish on plates: 7 Points
Surface finish on screws: 8 Points
Surface finish on ratchet and ratchet wheel: 6 Points
Movement Jeweling: 5 Points
Movement is advanced for 1948 all models being shock protected, but the bumper technology was soon outdated
Movement design innovation (for 1948): 7 points
The Universal Geneve base plate is nicely decorated and has an overall good finish. Winding, date and setting mechanisms are nicely finished, with a high finish on the screws. Gear train has a good finish. Setting the time feels balanced and smooth. Date mechanism is a little basic, but robust.
Base plate finish: 7 Points
Setting and winding mechanism: 7 Points
Date change snappiness: 5 Points
Gear-train finish: 8 Points
Movement durability: 7 Points
The autowinder is characteristic for a bumper and not very subtle , it will wind the movement and is pretty robust.
Autowinder: 7 Points
These Universal Geneve movements in good condition keeps decent time, but seem to wander a little when in different positions.
Accuracy: 7 points
Power reserve of 36 hours is on the lower end.
Power reserve: 6 Points
Universal Geneve calibre 138-139
Surface finish on bridges and top side of base plate: 7
Surface finish screws: 8
Surface finish on ratchet and ratchet wheel: 6
Movement Jeweling: 5
Movement innovative design for ca 1948: 7
Base plate finish: 7
Setting and winding mechanism: 7
Date change snappiness: 5
Gear-train finish: 8
Movement durability: 7
Total bonus points: 0
Autowinder: 7
Accuracy: 7
Power reserve: 7
Grand total: 83-88
*Bonus points, date version
Movement weak points are : Sweep second pinion tension spring (On centre second variant) Barrel arbour bush upper and lower can wear.
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