1965 Universal Geneve Polerouter Date Ref. 869111/01 with ‘Tropical Gilt’ dial

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 with amazing tropical dial that dates approximately to 1965.

 

The glossy black dial with applied logo has aged to a stunning tropical, lighter on the right portion of the dial, giving the watch stunning looks. The gilt printings are preserved clean and bright. The lume plots feature a lovely creamy patina matching with that on the original dauphine hands.

 

The stainless steel case, with its famous twisted or ‘bombé’ lugs, which are UG’s sign of character, remains thick and sharp, in unpolished condition, showing some normal signs of wear. The case back remains in the same condition, very crisp, letting clearly visible both reference and serial numbers, as well as the logo and printings. It shows normal wear and 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 and scratches.

 

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

 

It is suited on an 18mm Universal Geneve Gay Freres stainless steel bracelet with UL end links and clasp dated 2/66 that remains in great condition, with minor signs of wear and presenting very little stretch.

 

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, as well as movement and inner case back pictures.