Who designed the Universal Geneve Polerouter?

Gerald Genta
The Polerouter case and dial was designed by a young Gerald Genta. Genta was the foremost watch designer of the 20th century, in addition to producing this model for Universal Geneve, he also designed watches for Patek Philippe, Omega, Audemars Piguet and IWC.

Is Universal Geneve a luxury watch?

Universal Genève SA is a Swiss luxury watch company, founded in 1894 as Universal Watch. Since its beginnings, the company has produced complete watches with in-house movements, and throughout the 20th century, distributed many notable and important timepieces.

What is a Polerouter?

The Polerouter’s credible high-flying pedigree First released on 15 November 1954, the Universal Genève Polarouter was billed as a shock-resistant and anti-magnetic watch, chosen as the official timepiece of Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) and worn by all flight captains.

Is Universal Geneve still in business?

Today, Universal Geneve as a brand is technically still in existence, owned by Stelux, a Hong Kong investment group, since 1989. The brand saw a brief relaunch in 2001, but hasn’t updated its marketing materials or website since 2009.

When did the Universal Geneve Polerouter come out?

Universal Geneve Polerouter Sub. The Polarouter was officially released in 1954. That initial design, with a 34.5mm case boasting gorgeous bombé lugs and a dateless dial featuring a textured inner index ring, would become the foundation for the series, with later models taking certain liberties on that core design.

What happened to the Polerouter?

To put things into perspective, in the late 1950s a steel Polerouter was priced the same as a Rolex Explorer. Despite ending its initial run in 1969, the Polerouter made an unsuccessful return in the late 80s and early 90s with some ill-received quartz models that never quite went anywhere.

When did the Universal Genève micro-rotor system come out?

In 1962, Universal Genève introduced what are perhaps the two best-known iterations of their micro-rotor system, the cal. 68 and 69. These two calibers underwent many improvements, including a “stop oil” chemical treatment that prevents oils from shifting and ultimately reduces the frequency of overhauls.

What is a Polerouter Date?

The Polerouter Date features a date window shaped like a trapezoid. Many collectors adore this detail alone especially as it’s the most playful date window design of its time. Originally, the Polerouter Date includes a magnifier on the crystal. However, it’s a rare sight these days.