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Model Name:
Reference:
Country:
Universal Genève Polerouter
Polerouter
Switzerland
Price ($)
$
1700
A.I. Rating
7.6
Crowd Rating:
1460
Watch Description
https://www.analogshift.com/products/as02795-universal-geneve-polerouter
Why We Love It
We. Love. Polerouters.
Most likely, that will come as no great shock to those of you who know us. As far as general aesthetic, history, provenance, and wearability go - the Polerouter is one amazing value proposition that punches far above its weight class.
The one we have here represents a great entry point to the model with all the hallmarks of the classic Genta design: curved lug case, gloss crosshair dial, silvered rehaut, and beautiful dauphine hands.
The Story
Most of us, even the most diehard collectors, know only one watch designer by name: Gerald Genta.
The man behind the AP Royal Oak, the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the IWC Ingenieur, Genta changed the watch industry with his luxury stainless steel sports watches with sharp 70s lines and his characteristic integrated bracelet design. But before he could pioneer haute horology, he had cut his teeth on a more approachable timepiece; the Universal Genève Polerouter.
The Polerouter was Genta's first watch design brought to market, penned by the young Swiss designer in his early 20s. The watch was a sales success and propelled Genta’s career forward (allowing for the greats such as the Royal Oak and the Nautilus.) The first Polerouter was released in 1954 (and originally called the POLARouter) to celebrate and promote Scandinavian Airlines’ Royal Viking polar flights between New York City, Los Angeles and Europe. The flights forged a new route over the North Pole, reducing flight times between the two continents. Flying over the North Pole presented a unique set of challenges for a watch, and the Polerouter was designed to be highly resistant to magnetic fields (in addition to the usual shock and water resistance) so as to maintain accuracy during the trip.
35
43
19
0
0
Steel - 316L
Round
Acrylic
?
Automatic
caliber 138
Black
A.I. Watch Review:
<p class="font_8"># Universal Genève Polerouter Review by A.I. WatchMetrics
## Watch Summary
The Universal Genève Polerouter is a classic timepiece that embodies the elegance and innovation of mid-20th-century watchmaking. Designed by the renowned Gérald Genta, the Polerouter is celebrated for its sleek design and historical significance. This watch is ideal for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate vintage aesthetics and the rich history of horology. The Polerouter features an automatic movement, specifically the Universal Genève Caliber 215, known for its micro-rotor design, which offers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Its timeless design and historical background make it a standout piece for those who value both style and substance.
## Overall Watch Rating: 7.6/10.0
- **History & Innovation Metric (9.0/10.0)**
The Polerouter is historically significant, designed for Scandinavian Airlines pilots flying over the North Pole. Its innovative micro-rotor movement was groundbreaking at the time, contributing to its high score in this category.
- **Brand Metric (8.5/10.0)**
Universal Genève is a respected brand with a rich heritage, known for its contributions to watchmaking. While not as widely recognized today, its historical impact remains significant.
- **Dials & Design Metric (8.5/10.0)**
The Polerouter's design is both elegant and functional, featuring a clean dial with applied markers and a distinctive case shape. Its design is a testament to Genta's early work, showcasing originality and craftsmanship.
- **Movement Metric (8.0/10.0)**
The Caliber 215 micro-rotor movement is a technical achievement, offering reliable performance and a compact design. While not as complex as modern movements, it remains a noteworthy innovation.
- **Rarity Metric (7.5/10.0)**
The Polerouter is relatively rare, especially in good condition, due to its age and limited production during its time. This adds to its desirability among collectors.
- **Material Metric (7.0/10.0)**
The watch typically features stainless steel or gold-plated cases, which are standard for its era. While not using exotic materials, the quality and finishing are commendable.
- **Versatility Metric (7.0/10.0)**
The Polerouter's classic design makes it suitable for both formal and casual settings, though it lacks the features of a sports watch.
- **Complications Metric (6.5/10.0)**
The watch primarily offers time and date functions, which are basic but well-executed. Its simplicity is part of its charm, though it limits the score in this category.
- **Functions Metric (6.0/10.0)**
The Polerouter includes basic functions such as time and date, with no additional features like water resistance or lume, which are common in modern watches.
## Celebrity and Historical Figures
The Universal Genève Polerouter has been associated with several notable figures, including Scandinavian Airlines pilots who wore it during polar flights. While specific celebrities may not be directly linked to this model, its design by Gérald Genta and historical significance have made it a favorite among vintage watch collectors and enthusiasts.</p>
