Why This Watch Matters

The Polerouter was designed by the legendary Gerald Genta when he was 24 years old. It was made for the first flight over the North Pole, hence its name. 

The Full Story

Universal Genève debuted the Polerouter in 1954. The manufacturer was in partnership with Scadinavian Airline System (SAS) to develop an automatic watch to be more resistance to the magnetism of the North and South poles. This example is fitted with the original bumper-style movement, before Universal Genève introduced the caliber 215 with a micro-rotor. This example features a handsome, glossy black cross-hair dial and silvered outer track, giving it a very sophisticated appearance. The lyre lugs on the Polerouter are reminiscent of the lugs on the Omega Speedmaster, giving this time-only watch a bit of a sportier look. The Polerouter is a prime example of how Universal Genève produced some great time-only watches besides the more discussed chronographs. 

The Fine Print

Maker: Universal Genève 
Model: Polerouter 
Reference: S20217-4
Year: 1950s
Case No: 1713282
Material: Stainless steel 
Dimensions: 35mm diameter; 11mm thickness 
Crystal: Yes, plexiglass 
Lume: Yes, radium/tritium in the hands 
Caliber: Self-winding bumper caliber 138SS 
Bracelet/Strap:
Lug Width: 19mm
Box/Papers: No

What we Love and What You Should Know

This Polerouter is in overall nice condition. The case is strong and may have been polished in the past. The caseback still has the Universal Genève insignia and numbers fully intact. The case has light scratches throughout. The dial has developed an even patina and has a slight drag marks in the center. The movement shows signs of wear. There is some pitting on the threads inside the caseback. The lume in the hour markers on the dial has darkened completely and is missing in some areas. The hands appear to have been partially relumed a long time ago.