{"product_id":"universal-geneve-polerouter-sub-as04088","title":"Universal Genève Polerouter Sub","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eUniversal Genève is a pretty special brand, and one that most of us here at Analogshift feel very strongly about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eEver 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhile best known for the Polerouter and Compax models, they also produced a rare sporty iteration of the Polerouter known as the Polerouter Sub, specifically engineered for use in diving. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe example we have offered here immediately stands out with its asymmetric case and matching asymmetrical date window at 3:00. The matte black dial features red text - complimenting the orange acrylic bezel to round out the package. The watch is powered by the Calibre 1-69 micro-rotor movement produced in-house by Universal Genève.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWe have come across a handful of these 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis one is above board, supremely rare, and about 110 on the Coololdshitometer!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Story\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; background: white; margin: 0in 0in 18.75pt 0in;\"\u003eUniversal Genève was founded in 1894 by Numa-Emile Descombes and Ulysse George Perret.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; background: white; margin: 0in 0in 18.75pt 0in;\"\u003eIn the brand's earliest days, it established itself as a manufacturer of in-house movements of exceptional quality. Universal Genève was also among the first watch manufactures to specialize in wristwatches. In 1897, Louis Eduoard Berthoud--noted designer of complicated watch movements--joined the company. His involvement ensured Universal Genève's supremacy in the development of complicated watches in the 20th Century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; background: white; margin: 0in 0in 18.75pt 0in;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: #212121;\"\u003eIt was under Berthoud's leadership that the brand's reputation as a producer of chronographs was solidified. Chronographs, in particular--namely the Compur and the Compax lines--attracted the attention of watch aficionados, aviators, and militaries around the world. Even the Royal Family of the Netherlands issued a royal charter for Universal Genève to outfit the Dutch military with its chronographs. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: 18.0pt; background: white;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: #212121;\"\u003eUniversal Genève was once responsible for some of the most beautiful dress watches and chronographs from the mid-20th century. From the purpose-driven to the ornate, UG had a touch all its own and breathed incredible beauty and craftsmanship into every piece they produced. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: 18.0pt; background: white;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: #212121;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: 18.0pt; background: white;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: #212121;\"\u003eAlthough the brand is currently dormant, there is tremendous interest in collector circles for vintage models, and is regarded very highly by horological historians and design enthusiasts alike.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Universal Geneve","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39321615007831,"sku":"40990105","price":4500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/AS04088_40990105_UNIVERSALGENEVE_POLEROUTERSUB_1-869120-0_-9.jpg?v=1622568502","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/universal-geneve-polerouter-sub-as04088","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}