1963 Universal Geneve Polerouter Ref. 204612/1 Silver dial 'Big Crown'

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 an all original Universal Geneve Polerouter Ref. 204612/1 that dates approximately to 1963.

 

The silver sunburst dial remains in great condition, showing only light wear. All lume plots are intact and featuring a lovely creamy 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, most probably unpolished, showing signs of use. The ‘supercompressor’ case back with bayonet closing remains in the same condition, letting visible both reference and serial numbers, as well as the logo. It shows wear and some tool marks. The inside of the case back is correctly signed. The stainless steel smooth bezel also shows signs of wear.

 

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

 

The in-house automatic Microrotor cal. 218-2 is running well and keeping time, although service history is unknown.

 

It is suited on a steel expandible mesh bracelet from the period.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request.