The Universal Geneve Polerouter watch was introduced in 1954 to mark the first trans-polar flights by SAS Airlines over the North Pole from Europe to North America. The achievement shortened the flying times between the continents, most notably to the West coast of the USA.
This vintage Universal Geneve Polerouter is carries case reference of 20217-2 and appears to date to the first year that Universal Geneve made the Polerouter. watch does appear to have ever been worn. Many watch collectors are now aware that the original Polerouter was designed by Gerald Genta, perhaps the most famous watch designer of our time. The Polerouter case has stunning sculpted bombe shaped lugs and is fitted with an element later used on his Omega designs, a pie-pan dial. The case on this watch does not appear to have been polished and has marks on the caseback from what appears to be a canvass or cloth military strap used to secure the watch on the wrist.
This dial is all original and features an subtle beige tint to the white colour highlighted with black text. Also note the original steel dauphin shaped hands. The first series of Universal Geneve Polerouter watches featured bumper automatic movements. The very first models used sub seconds dial arrangements and the seconds generation, like this one, used the bumper automatic sweep seconds caliber 138SS. The 17 jewel automatic watch movement was recently serviced and is running flawlessly.
This is a fantastic watch on the wrist. It sits more of a casual sports watch than a dress watch. The case is carries enough heft that it has amazing wrist presence. The watch measures 35.5 mm wide excluding the crown (roughly the same as a vintage Rolex Datejust) and is supplied on the buyers choice of black or brown leather strap.
For further information please have a look at this information site about the Polerouter
There are no reviews yet.