Universal Geneve Polerouter Date ’Tropical dial’

Now, everyone knows the story of this watch but here’s a reminder, just in case: To shortcut the flights from Europe to California (USA) by some thousand kilometers, the airline SAS (Scandinavian Airline System) opened new routes over the North Pole in the 1950s. All crews on these flights had to take part in a special training at the "SAS's Arctic Flight School". The Swiss watch manufacturer Universal Genève provided the crews with automatic precision wrist-watches that are resistant against the strong magnetic field of the polar region. They became the official chronometers of SAS. This design was commended to 23 year old Gerald Genta who also was the same designer of the legendary Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus. Soon this Polerouters, specially the Date versions, became a sought after for collectors all around the world.

This particular mid 1960s example has a beautiful tropical dial with various brown tones, tritium markers and hands, applied logo, abeautiful minute counter inner silver ring and gilt printing that make the face of this piece just awesome. The 36mm all stainless steel case is part of Watch History as young 23 year old Gerald Genta (same designer of the Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus) designed it especially for SAS. It remains sharp and unpolished, with serial and references numbers still visible on the case back, as well as the logo. The famous twisted lugs are UG’s sign of character adding so much value to the piece. The gorgeous in-house cal. 69 is running good and keeping time, although service history is unknown.

It is suited with a vintage style unworn handmade leather strap.