1965 Universal Geneve Polerouter Date Ref. 869111/01 with Box and Papers

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. 869111/01 that dates approximately to 1965.

 

The glossy black dial with applied logo remains in great condition, showing only light wear. All lume plots are intact and feature 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 some normal signs of use. The case back remains in the same condition, very crisp, letting clearly visible both reference and serial numbers, as well as the logo. It shows normal wear and some minor tool marks. The inside of the case back is correctly signed. The stainless steel smooth bezel also shows usual signs of wear.

 

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

 

The in-house automatic Microrotor cal. 69 is running well and keeping time, although service history is unknown.

 

It is suited on a period correct JB Champion stainless steel bracelet that shows very little wear, bought in the same boutique and at the same time as the watch, offered by the retailer as an extra option. The JB Champion bracelet preservers its original case which shows that its cost back then was 525 Pesetas (around 3,16 EUR today). Furthermore, it still preserves its original Universal Geneve leather bracelet with original stainless steel buckle. In addition to this, the set includes two unworn, custom 19mm lug handmade leather straps for a daily use.

 

If this wasn’t enough, this incredible watch comes as a full set, rarely seen on these. It includes box and original guarantee papers with printed reference number, showing it was sold on the 2nd March 1966 in Spain to the original owner, Don Ramón, who we had the pleasure to meet and to who we bought it from.

 

The set also includes an original, NOS acrylic crystal for this reference, with trapezoidal date magnifier and UG logo engraved.

 

This is indeed a great opportunity of owning a very complete set of an untouched Polerouter Date which does nothing but to keep growing in the finest collections.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request.