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Recognized as a pinnacle of horological art, the Universal Geneve Polerouter is a captivating blend of timeless elegance, superior craftsmanship, and groundbreaking innovation. Its story is filled with intriguing anecdotes, fascinating chapters of aviation history, and the genius of a legendary watch designer. This article seeks to explore the extraordinary journey of the Universal Geneve Polerouter, an iconic timepiece that continues to captivate watch enthusiasts around the globe.
1. The Birth of an Icon - The Universal Geneve Polerouter
1.1 The Mastermind Behind the Masterpiece
Our story begins with none other than Gerald Genta, a remarkable Swiss designer renowned for his unique and enduring watch designs. At just 23 years old, Genta was commissioned by Universal Geneve to design a timepiece that would overcome the limitations of existing watch technology, while also commemorating a significant historical event. This design, which was initially introduced as the Polarouter, would mark one of the earliest and most stunning contributions to Genta's illustrious career - the Universal Geneve Polerouter.
1.2 A Timepiece Inspired by Aviation Breakthroughs
The commission for the Polarouter's design was sparked by the breakthroughs of Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) in trans-arctic commercial flights. In the early 1950s, SAS pioneered a trans-arctic route that reduced flight times significantly, marking a new era in commercial aviation. However, these polar flights presented unique challenges, primarily the extreme magnetic fields at the Poles that interfered with navigation systems and timekeeping instruments.
2. Overcoming the Challenges of Polar Aviation
2.1 The Problem of Magnetism
Navigating the intense magnetic fields of the Poles required innovative solutions. For SAS, this involved developing a completely new navigation system. However, the issue of accurate timekeeping remained unresolved. The magnetic fields wreaked havoc on wristwatches worn by pilots and crew, rendering them unreliable during these crucial flights.
2.2 Universal Geneve to the Rescue
SAS turned to its official watch supplier, Universal Geneve, to create a watch that could withstand the magnetic fields while maintaining accurate timekeeping. Known for their work in anti-magnetic timepieces, Universal Geneve was ideally suited for this task.
3. The Debut of the Polarouter
3.1 A Watch Fit for Pioneering Pilots
In 1954, Universal Geneve unveiled the Polarouter, a timepiece specially designed for SAS's groundbreaking polar flights. The Polarouter boasted a 34.5mm case, unique bombe lugs, and a textured inner index ring, setting the foundation for the series. The first Polarouters were presented to the crew upon landing in Los Angeles, featuring the SAS logo on the dial.
3.2 The Transition to Polerouter
A year later, the Polarouter was rebadged as the Polerouter. Although the name changed, the core design elements of the original Polarouter remained intact. Universal Geneve continued to produce various iterations under the Polerouter line until around 1969, including the Polerouter Jet, Polerouter de luxe, Polerouter Super, and Polerouter Geneve, among others.
4. The Evolution of the Polerouter's Mechanism
4.1 The Early Calibers
Initially, Polarouters were equipped with the Cal 138 SS bumper movements, a reliable and innovative mechanism at the time. However, Universal Geneve soon introduced a new movement that would revolutionize watch technology.
4.2 The Arrival of the Micro-Rotor Movement
In 1955, the Polerouter was outfitted with Universal Geneve's new Cal 215 micro-rotor movement. This was one of the first movements of its kind, marking a significant leap forward in watch technology.
4.3 Continuous Improvements
Over the years, Universal Geneve introduced further improvements to the micro-rotor system. Notably, the cal. 68 and 69 calibers featured chemical treatments to prevent oil shifting and boasted an impressive 55-hour power reserve.
5. The Polerouter: A Collector's Delight
5.1 The Polerouter Date and the Sub
Among the various Polerouter models, the date variants and the Sub are particularly popular among collectors. The date variants feature a unique trapezoidal date window and a playful font on the date wheel. On the other hand, the Sub, a dive watch variation of the Polerouter, is prized for its rarity and distinct design.
5.2 The Coveted Super Compressor
Within the Sub models, the Super Compressor variant is incredibly sought after. This model is often difficult to find in good, let alone original, condition, making it a prized possession for any collector.
6. The Polerouter: A Symbol of Luxury
Throughout its production run, the Polerouter was positioned as a high-end watch. To put it into perspective, a steel Polerouter was priced comparably to a Rolex Explorer in the late 1950s. Despite ending its initial run in 1969, the Polerouter has enjoyed sustained popularity among watch enthusiasts, remaining one of the most sought-after and yet still accessible of Genta's designs.
7. The Legacy of the Polerouter
Today, the Universal Geneve Polerouter stands as a testament to the genius of Gerald Genta and the spirit of innovation that defined SAS's pioneering polar flights. Its timeless design, rich history, and horological significance continue to captivate watch enthusiasts, historians, and collectors alike, securing its place as an iconic piece in the world of luxury timepieces.
"The Universal Geneve Polerouter is more than just a watch. It's a piece of history, a work of art, and a symbol of enduring elegance and superior craftsmanship."
Exploring the history of the Polerouter is like embarking on a captivating journey through time, witnessing the evolution of watch design, the breakthroughs in aviation, and the genius of a legendary designer. In the world of luxury watches, the Universal Geneve Polerouter will always remain an icon of timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship.
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