Lot 294

Universal Genève

Polerouter de Luxe

A collection of 1 vintage wristwatch and 1 ladies gold hunting case pocket watch
A rare and attractive vintage wristwatch with microrotor and centre seconds. This piece is almost as it was at the time of delivery.

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The Universal Genève "Polerouter" model was designed by Gérald Genta in 1954 and was on the market until the early 1960s. The "Polerouter" is the watch that launched the designer's illustrious career. Universal Genève took its name from the fact that the watch was specially designed for the SAS (Scandinavian Airline System) pilots who flew the Royal Viking stretch from Copenhagen to Los Angeles that took them over the North Magnetic Pole, the so called polar route. At the time the price of an 18 K gold Universal Polerouter was equivalent to the price of a VW Beetle.
The Polerouter presents itself as an irresistible combination of a fascinating and glamorous history with a modern and elegant design and technical innovation. This model features a beautiful, flawless, matt and high-gloss gold-plated dial and a gold case beautifully patinated with gold oxide, which make this piece even more appealing to collectors and can be easily removed with a polish.