An early, patented rights pending example of Gerald Genta’s first watch design, this Universal Genève Polerouter will appeal to many.

HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?

From the serial number between the lugs we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1956.  There are other clues to verify this that are in the condition report too.

CONDITION

SAS Airlines were the first to fly a plane across the magnetic north pole, and found the strong magnetic fields played havoc with their timekeeping instruments, so turned to Universal Genève to supply them with watches that could cope.  While Universal Genève concentrated on the mechanics, they asked a 23 year old Gerald Genta to come up with the design.  His bombé lugs on a stainless steel case, combined with the inner reflector chapter ring, remained the same for the long life of the original Polerouter.  The first models were called Polarouter, and had a full automatic movement.   Just a year later the revolutionary micro rotor calibre 215 was fitted, which slimmed the case down thanks to the rotor not being bolted on the back, but built in from the get go.  These were fitted to watches before the patent for the micro rotor was granted, so early watches like this have PATENTED RIGHTS PENDING stamped under the micro rotor.  The movement is keeping time and sets nicely, but hasn’t been serviced so if you are planning on wearing this daily please think of getting it serviced.  The dial is not restored, and the case not polished, but originality is usually preferred over restoration.36.5  The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred.

This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.

Please see the HD video for more detail.  All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned.  We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.

​SIZE

Width with crown  36.5 mm

Width without crown  33.8 mm

Between lugs  18 mm

Lug to lug length  42.5 mm

Case Thickness  9.6 mm

All sizes are approximate.  The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.

Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses.  If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries.  Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us.   Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.

From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon.  By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.

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