Universal Geneve Senna 41 – 52Mondayz, week #41
You’ve probably never seen this Universal Geneve, and probably can’t even imagine they ever made such a watch. Obviously they did.
Universal Geneve Senna 41, ref. 998.310
First model in the UG – IAS colaboration, the Senna 41
In the late 1990’s Universal Geneve teamed up with the Ayrton Senna Institute (IAS). Founded in 1994 by Ayrtons Senna’s family and presided by Viviane Senna. Viviane being Ayrton’s sister, and mother of Formula One driver Bruno Senna.
The cooperation resulted in two dedicated watches, from which part of the profit was donated to the IAS. The first watch was the chronograph model ‘Senna 41’, the star of this article. The second a 3-hand model, the ‘Senna 65’. The numbers were taken from the 41 Formula One wins in Ayrton Senna’s career, and the 65 pole positions.
Variations of the Senna 41 model
The Senna 65 Chronograph was available in three dial variations, silver, black and yellow. Further it was available in a quartz version and the COSC chronometer certified automatic version as seen here. There was a choice for a metal bracelet or a leather strap with folding buckle as well.
Close-up of the dial indicating the use of a COSC chronometer certified chronograph movement
Both versions were made in steel in combination with something what Universal Geneve mentioned as carbon at that time. To my knowledge it wasn’t true carbon, but merely a kind of plastic, probably blended with some carbon enabling to use ‘carbon’ in it’s description.
A presidential watch
As of last year the Universal Geneve Senna 41 can even be indicated as a presidential watch. The current president of the United States owned one back in the days. Of course he couldn’t settle for a stainless steel watch so chose for one of the very few which were made in 18k solid gold. I’m not sure if this now adds to the popularity to the watch though.
A young Donald Trump with his 18k gold Universal Geneve Senna 41
A limited edition for The Netherlands
The watch I’m wearing this week is one of a limited and numbered series exclusively sold in the Netherlands. Only 50 pieces, with different dial colors and with a leather strap or metal bracelet, accompanied by a certificate. My watch here bears the number 41, matching the type indication of the watch 🙂
Limited edition exclusively for The Netherlands, here nr 41 of only 50 pieces
Technical specifications
The ‘diameter’ of the casing measures 41mm, still a nice size even for today’s standards. As movement Universal Geneve chose for the trustworthy Valjoux 7750. Obviously in an elaboré excecutionin order to have it chronometer certified. Due to a screw down crown and screw down pushers the watch reaches a noteworthy 20 bar pressure rating. It’s all topped off with a flat sapphire crystal.
Screw down crown and pushers, 200 meter waterproof
The box is something else to mention. A solid steel box paint sprayed in grey and black with the Senna logo embossed in it’s lid. The booklet nicely fit in the cardboard outerbox lid, containing the credit card size warranty certificate as well. And the original COSC slip is supplied with the automatic chronometer models as well.
The solid steel box, booklets and certificates
