Universal Genève Polerouter Date - References, Prices and Owners' Reviews

4.3

(4 Reviews)

1

The Universal Genève Polerouter Date is an iconic watch that embodies the timeless elegance and watchmaking innovation of the Swiss brand Universal Genève. Designed by the famous designer Gérald Genta, this watch marked the 1950s and continues to be popular with collectors and vintage watch enthusiasts.

Origins and Design

The Polerouter, originally named Polarouter, was launched in 1954 to celebrate the inaugural transpolar flights of the Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) linking Copenhagen to Los Angeles via the North Pole. Gérald Genta, then a young 23-year-old designer, was tasked with creating a watch capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of these flights. Its innovative and elegant design immediately appealed.

The watch is distinguished by its three-dimensional dial in two parts: a circular ring with hour markers fixed on the periphery of the glass and a central dial fixed on the movement. This unique design, patented by Universal in September 1953, gives the watch a distinctive visual depth.

Evolution towards the Polerouter Date

In 1955, the watch was renamed Polerouter. Over the years, various versions have been introduced, including the Polerouter Date, equipped with a date window at 3 o'clock. This added functionality enhanced the practicality of the watch while maintaining its refined aesthetic.

Movement and Technology

The Polerouter Date is powered by the UG 215 caliber, an automatic micro-rotor movement introduced in 1958. This innovative movement, with a thickness of just 4.10 mm, was one of the thinnest of its time. The micro-rotor allowed for a thinner design without compromising the efficiency of the automatic winding.

Design and Materials

The Polerouter Date's case is available in stainless steel, gold plated, and solid gold, providing a variety of options for consumers. The dial often features a sunburst or satin finish, with applied indexes and dauphine hands, reflecting the style of the 1950s. The domed acrylic glass adds a vintage touch to the whole.

Impact and Legacy

The Polerouter Date helped establish Universal Genève's reputation as an innovative and elegant brand. Its timeless design and advanced technology for its time make it a sought-after piece by collectors. The watch is also notable for being one of the first designs of Gérald Genta, who would later become one of the most influential watch designers.

Conclusion

The Universal Genève Polerouter Date is more than just a watch; it represents a successful fusion between innovative design and technical excellence. Its rich history and timeless aesthetic continue to captivate watch enthusiasts around the world.

Learn more about the Polerouter Date with Dialicious customer reviews and make the right choice with the help of other customers

(Updated March 2025)

Owner reviews summary on Universal Genève Polerouter Date

4.3

4 Reviews

4.6

Emotion

4.9

Design

4.0

Accuracy

4.6

Comfort

3.6

Robustness

4.3

Value for money

Secondary

Significance in a collection

Main

Rarely

Frequency to be worn

Often

Pleasure

Main motivation for buying

Investment

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Universal Genève Polerouter Date profile is based on 4 owner reviews

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Latest reviews on Universal Genève Polerouter Date

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5

723

a flawless story and style

4.3

This watch has always been a watchmaking dream for me, constantly repeating to my friends during our discussions around watches that one day, I would own a Polerouter. I had to wait maybe 3 years before it came true, this watch that I scrutinized from time to time on resale sites, always impressed me with its history and style. With its contained diameter, its magnificent twisted horns, its dial equipped with a peripheral flange, this gives all the elegance, the brilliance and the depth that sets it apart from other watches for me. But each time in front of the ads, it was the search for the perfect watch. Beware of repainted dials, service crowns and consequently prices that fluctuate from single to triple depending on the copies, all this makes me doubt. After endless research, I finally found the copy that suited me, gold-plated case in good condition, dial that had apparently not been repainted and was starting to patina with small bubbles on it. Delighted with my purchase, I continued my research by also looking at the spare parts categories of this iconic model. And it was then with surprise that I came across a copy that was the complete opposite of what I was initially looking for. A watch with a patinated "Polerouter Deluxe" dial that had become tobacco-colored, gold-plated case in good condition but which did not correspond to the original since a "Deluxe" normally has an 18k gold case. This watch is sold at an unbeatable price (€400) since its owner is aware of these weaknesses. It is ultimately for this tobacco copy that I have a crush, these defects make it for me a unique watch with a crazy charm. After receiving the two watches, I am now preparing to resell the first copy and keep the bad little duck, it is for me a story that sums up my watchmaking passion, love at first sight before rationality. I will nevertheless scrutinize possible solid gold dials in order to restore all the nobility that this copy deserves.

2 years ago

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