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- 1955 Universal Geneve Polerouter Automatic - Ref. S 20217 5
1955 Universal Geneve Polerouter Automatic - Ref. S 20217 5
One of the very first Polerouters manufactured, a couple of months after its launching.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
Designed by a young Gerald Genta, the Polerouter with its revolutionary design is a welcome addition to any collection. This Polerouter Automatic, one of the first produced, boasts a robust stainless-steel case with a silver glossy dial. The overall condition is exceptional, the case was never repolished and the back cover still has its beautiful sunburst finish preserved. This particular model with the 'Bumper' automatic movement was produced only for one year (From 11/1955 to beginning 1956).
Reference: Same watch ref. sold at Christies in 2016 for 4.250€
THE STORY
The Polerouter was designed in 1954 by a 24-years-old named Gerald Genta, the very same man who, almost 20 years later, would design the legendary Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus. The Polerouter was launched in november 1954 to honor a pioneering flight over the North Pole by a SAS crew, hence its name. It was fitted with a bumper movement like the one you see here, later it was replaced by the caliber 215.
1894 The origins
Talented watch makers Numa Emile Descombes and Ulysse Georges Perret, found a company specializing in making complicated watches. Foreign trade develops rapidly and products are enthusiastically received.
1897 Early successes
Descombes dies and Perret associates with Louis Edouard Berthoud in making complete pocket-watches. In 1898 they present a chronograph with 30-counter, the Universal Watch Extra, and subsequently release their first wristwom chronograph in 1917.
1934 A legend in the making
The company is renamed Universal Watch, relocates to Geneva and enjoys impressive and international growth. A succession of elegant and complicated models — the Compax, Aero-Compax and Tri-Compax (1930-40), Polerouter (1954) and Microtor UG66 (1966) — leave and indelible imprint on their area.
1960’s A brand on the move
In keeping with its taste for innovation, Universal Genève launches the world’s thinnest quartz calibre in 1975. During the 1980s and 90s, the brand enjoys an impressive international reputation and its represented in South-East Asia, the Middle East and Italy.
THE DATA
- Maker: Universal Genève
- Model: Polerouter Automatic
- Reference: S 20217 5
- Case N°: 17326xx
- Year: 1955
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 34x40x10mm
- Caliber: 138SS
- Bracelet/Strap: Black leather
- Lug width: 18mm
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This unrepolished watch is in incredible condition for its age. The case back is very well preserved and the glossy silver dial looks great. This is a classic vintage legenday Polerouter, nice presence on the wrist and perfect for everyday wear.