Universal Genève Polerouter Sub

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SKU AS01167
SKU AS01167

Why We Love it

It’s tough finding horologic gems out there in the world. It’s even harder to let them go, and if you know us, you know how hard it can be to pry rare timepieces out of our hands… This Universal Genève Polerouter Sub is no exception.

The man behind the AP Royal Oak, the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the IWC Ingenieur, Gerald 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.

Simple Polerouters are not especially rare watches, but Polerouter subs are very difficult to find, especially in unmolested, genuine condition. These submariner models, spin offs of Genta’s original design, were part of UG’s attempt to contend with other manufactures of the era by producing robust watches capable of going beneath the waves (instead of into the clouds). Note the trident that stands in for the ‘u’ in ‘Sub.’

This particular example is in very good condition, sporting the original bezel and crown, as well as the original black glossy dial with its telltale, stylized markers at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock. Of particular note is the included Universal Genève multi-link steel stretch bracelet with signed clasp. While it’s unclear whether this bracelet would have come on this piece originally, we couldn’t bear the thought of separating these two pieces of excellent and rare UG history.

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