Gerald Genta’s first big design success, the Polerouter was a premium watch – priced at roughly the same as a Rolex Explorer at the time.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
The Polarouter (as it was originally spelled) was launched in 1954, but in 1955 the big change came when the micro rotor movement was first fitted and it became the Polerouter. Continuious improvements were made to the movement, and this watch features the calibre 69 movement that was used between 1962 and 1965. We have picked a mid point year.
CONDITION
A microrotor movement uses a much smaller rotor than a standard automatic, and Universal Geneve patented their design in 1955 – the patent number 329805 is stamped underneath the rotor, as they were rightly proud of their design. This is the 28 jewel version, which has improved micro regulation over the earlier ones and ball bearings on the rotor to reduce friction. This movement can also be wound via the signed crown, and the date can be changed via the semi quick set method. The stainless steel case, with screw down case back, is unpolished and good. Those sweeping curves on the Bombe lugs are one of the key design features the 23 year old Genta got just right. The dial centre appears to have been refinished at some point in the past – the text for AUTOMATIC MICROROTOR is not quite right and the lume plots are missing. Many of the original dials didn’t last too well so that this has been redone is not a surprise. If it were in this condition and totally original the watch would cost a lot more though. The Geckota 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 36.9 mm
Width without crown 35.5 mm
Between lugs 19 mm
Lug to lug length 44.1 mm
Case Thickness 9.5 mm
All sizes are approximate.
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.
