1960 Universal Genève Polerouter Date Ref. 204610-1 Cream 'Panna' dial with Box

To shortcut the flights from Europe to California (USA) by some thousand kilometers, the airline SAS (Scandinavian Airline System) opened new routes over the North Pole in the 1950s. All crews on these flights had to take part in a special training at the "SAS's Arctic Flight School". The Swiss watch manufacturer Universal Genève provided the crews with automatic precision wristwatches that are resistant against the strong magnetic field of the polar region. They became the official chronometers of SAS. This design was commended to 23-year-old Gerald Genta who also was the same designer of the legendary Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus. Soon this Polerouters, especially the Date versions, became a sought after for collectors all around the world.

The example offered for sale here is a Universal Genève Polerouter Date Ref. 204610-1 that dates approximately to 1960.

 

The originally silver dial with applied logo has aged into a lovely cream or ‘Panna’ patina. It remains in great condition, showing only light wear. All lume plots are present and feature a dark patina matching with that on the original dauphine hands.

 

The stainless steel case, with its famous twisted or bombe lugs, which are UG’s sign of character, remains thick and sharp, showing normal signs of wear for its age. The case back remains in the same condition, letting visible both reference and serial numbers. It shows normal wear and some tool marks. The inside of the case back is correctly signed. The stainless steel smooth bezel also shows usual signs of wear. The original small, domed UG signed crown is present.

 

The original acrylic crystal with trapezoidal date magnifier and UG logo engraved in the center remains in great shape with only minor scratches.

 

The in-house automatic Microrotor cal. 215-2 is running well and keeping time, although service history is unknown.

 

It is suited on a used black leather strap with stainless steel buckle.

 

It is presented with an UG leather box from the same period.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request.