Universal Genève Polerouter Sub

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SKU AS03098
SKU AS03098

Why We Love it

Why We Love It

Universal Genève is a pretty special brand.

Ever since the quartz crisis, the Swiss company's storied past began to fade into relative obscurity. But their mysterious story has inspired collectors in recent years and the brand's popularity has surged, resulting in increased awareness in the vintage marketplace.

While best known for the Polerouter and Compax models, they also produced a rare iteration of the Polerouter known as the Polerouter Sub, specifically engineered for use in diving. 

The example we have offered here immediately stands out with its asymmetric case. The matte black dial features stylized Arabic quadrant indices, and an asymmetric date window round out the package. A bi-directional rotating 60-minute dive timing bezel is affixed surrounding the magnified crystal, and a large signed crown sits nestled inside the bulging right side of the case at 3:00. Internally, the watch is powred by the Calibre 69 micro-rotor movement produced in-house by Universal Genève.

We've handled a number of Polerouter Subs in the past - and we're the first to tell you that there are a bunch of common problems that can crop up - from 'Frankensteined' assemblies to outright fakes.

This one is above board in every regard, and supremely cool!

The Story

In 1961, Universal Genève also plunged under the waves with the launch of the Polerouter Sub.

A decade before, Universal Genève released the 'Polarouter' (later renamed the Polerouter), which was designed by 23-year-old Gérald Genta to resist the magnetic fields over the Pole and remain accurate during the Scandinavian Airlines’ flights over the North Pole. Throughout the Polerouter's 15-year run, Universal Genève deviated from Gerald Genta's original design, releasing variants with a panoply of case sizes and configurations. Though most Polerouters are dress watches in design and function, the Sub is a dive watch—but, because it’s Genta, it’s avant-garde in appearance.

Genta’s designs are especially notable for their ofttimes dramatic use of angles and unorthodox shapes. With the Sub, Genta took the asymmetrical date window of the Polerouter dress watches and magnified it, mirroring it in the shape of the Sub’s case. The asymmetrical shape does serve a purpose, however, as it protects the crown from being bumped during a dive.

The Sub came in several variations, with different dials, hands, and bezels. This particular Sub is a Reference 869116/01.

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Universal Genève Polerouter Sub

Universal Genève Polerouter Sub

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Universal Genève Polerouter Sub