Universal Genève, "Polerouter Automatic." Fine, centre-seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, with date window. Rose gold gentleman's wristwatch.
Case: three-body, polished, screw back, in rose gold.
Reference: 269101.
Dial: Rose dial, outer guilloché chapter ring with baton hour markers, Dauphine hands, center seconds with date window. Beautiful glossy dial.
Dial, case and movement signed.
Size: Diameter: 35mm Thickness: 8mm
Movement: Cal. 69, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 28 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring, micrometer regulator, fitted with a micro-rotor.
With original box and papers.
Condition: Watch is in good condition with light markings on the gold case. Lyre lugs are sharp and bevelled. Caseback has crisp serial numbers which matches the warranty papers. Signed UG crown is plated showing some discoloration. Dial is in excellent condition. Timing is within 20 sec per day
More about Universal Genève:
Universal Genève was established in 1894, and by the 1950s was known internationally as a manufacturer of accurate and well-designed chronographs and complicated wristwatches. In 1954, Univeral Genève opened a new production plant to accommodate after-sales service and produce new models.
In 1953, Univeral introduced a water-resistant Tri-Compax, which led to the development of other water-resistant models. The first model to be produced in the new factory was the Polarouter – produced for the Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) trip from Europe to North America by crossing over the North Pole. Later renamed “Polerouter”, the watch is also important for its designer – Gerald Genta.
With the success of those early Polerouters for the SAS, a new caliber (Cal. 215) was developed and used for later models, featuring the brand’s first micro-rotor. Other iterations of the Polerouter include the rare Polerouter Sub, and the Polerouter with date.
In 1962, Universal Genève began developing electronic movements, which would lead to their foray into quartz watches and the outsourcing of production of their own chronograph movements. The Polerouter models represent the time before the Universal Genève brand headed into a more modern direction. The present Polerouter is in excellent condition, with beautifully aged luminous plots and hands and highly desirable dial.
