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First released on 15 November 1954, the Universal Geneve Polarouter was billed as a shock-resistant and anti-magnetic watch, chosen as the official timepiece of Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) and worn by all flight captains. SAS is a commercial airline founded in 1946 and still operating today. In 1954 the airline pioneered a new polar route from Europe to America via Greenland, via the polar region; hence the ‘Polarouter’ moniker was born.
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The Polarouter was designed by famed designer Gerald Genta, who was just 23 years old when Universal Geneve approached him to design this wonderful line of Watches. This would provide a fantastic springboard for the young designer who would go on to design iconic models such as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus.
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This particular Polarouter is the reference 20217-3 and was the 2nd execution of the 1st generation. Fitted with a calibre 138 SS bumper movement. The superbly designed steel case has lovely bombe lugs, this earlier no date model offers an especially clean, and unobstructed aesthetic.
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View this POLA in a video: here
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The Specs
Age: c.1954.
Reference: 20217-3.
Movement: Automatic Bumper Movement with Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 138SS.
Service History: Serviced by John Senior, July 2024.
Dial: Original Universal Geneve Dial.
Crystal: Acrylic, possibly original.
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Early Version "POLA"router.
- Designed by Gerald Genta for SAS Pilots.
- Pretty Cool Patina to the Dial.
Nitty Gritty:
Overall this Pola is in very nice vintage condition.