Universal Genève Polerouter

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SKU AS00968
SKU AS00968

Why We Love it

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.  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 hit, penned by the young Swiss designer at the age of 23. The watch was a sales success and propelled Genta’s career forward (allowing us to have greats like the Royal Oak and the Nautilus.) The first Polerouter was released in 1954 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.

Polerouters are not especially rare watches, though that is not to say that what’s available is often in very good condition. As is the case with any multi-decade-old watch, finding a clean, quality example is no easy task.

This particular example is a late execution date-model that has clearly led an easy life.  With a cream-colored matte dial, asymmetrical date window with fancy scripted numerals and simple stick markers, this piece makes for an infinitely wearable watch in a variety of settings, and whether paired with a fabric strap or its original (!) signed steel bracelet, it is incredibly comfortable on the wrist.  One of this model's best features lies internally: the in-house Universal Genève micro-rotor movement. Early Polerouters employed a bumper automatic movement, but the micro-rotor movement is what Universal Genève is really known for. The purpose of the micro-rotor is to save space and allow for thinner movements, and thus thinner watches, making it unusually comfortable for an automatic.

All in all, this is a simple, elegant watch from one of the most important names in the industry. Genta’s designs are as good as it gets, and the Polerouter is one of the most affordable ways to get into a vintage Genta piece. When you strap one to your wrist you’ll quickly see why collectors are always on the hunt for exceptional Polerouters.

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

Universal Genève Polerouter

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Universal Genève Polerouter