The Polerouter originated in 1954 when Universal Genève commissioned a 23-year-old Gérald Genta to design a watch commemorating Scandinavian Airlines System's (SAS) inaugural commercial transpolar flight from Copenhagen to Los Angeles on November 15 of that year. The first models, initially named "Polarouter," housed the Caliber 138SS bumper movement.
By 1955, Universal Genève replaced it with the Caliber 215, one of the first micro-rotor movements in production, measuring 4.1 mm in height — then among the thinnest automatic calibers in the world. Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, the Polerouter line expanded to include over a dozen variants. The "Super" models, available from 1962, adopted straight lugs and a more angular case profile, departing from Genta's original bombé lug design while introducing a new a screw- down crown. At the time of its introduction, a steel Polerouter was priced on par with a Rolex
Explorer.
The stainless steel case of this Ref. 869112-26 measures 35 mm excluding the crown, with a screw-down caseback. The case is in original, unpolished condition with normal traces of wear. The plexiglass crystal is not original and in good condition, showing minor marks consistent with age. The caseback shows the correct manufacturers markings and both the serial number and the ref. Are still clearly legible.
The original grey-blue galvanic dial has developed a natural tropical patina over time resulting in a unique and attractive iridescence. Hand are original and untouched. The movement is the Universal Genève Caliber 69, introduced in 1962 as an evolution of the Caliber 215. This self-winding micro-rotor caliber works at 21,600 vibrations per hour, The movement has been fully serviced by our in-house watchmaker. The watch is delivered on a new leather strap. Fully serviced and in reliable working order, it is delivered with our six-month guarantee and originality certificate.
Worldwide shipping is available and Inquiries are welcome.
