Horological Meandering

Universal Geneve Polarouter De Luxe Hello Friends! Encouraged by the invitation of Nicolas, after showing his own beautiful Pelerouter Diver watch, I wish to share now, a different version of the famous "Polerouter" model from Universal. This piece arrive...  

A fitting tribute to an equally superb watch. Thank you, Abel, that was immensely enjoyable and informative. Cheers, pplater.

... I deeply appreciate them! Thank you again, and best cordial regards, Abel.

Such interesting facts and very well presented with excellent pics. A very lovely 'Polarouter' you have there. Cheers Fernando

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That must have demanded a lot of research, but it was well worth it. I am going to re-read it more carefully a second time around. Liked the watch a lot and the knife is a real nice touch. Best regards, George

... I feel fortunate to find this watch, and also to having found previously the little pen knife which is somehow connected with the history of this model. I´m glad you enjoyed this presentation! Cordial regards, Abel.

Super work, Abel. I loved the link you made between the SAS and the watch, well, its story. One thing which sounds curious is that UG didn't think about making it amagnetic... For the rest, what to say? This is a marvellous watch, with a fine dial, a nice... 

... and appreciate your kind words. You are right, is an strange thing they didin´t make this watch anti magnetic! I also like so much the bumber movement feeling on the wrist. They make a funny sound, and also you can actualy feel the vibration on y... 

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... so much for sending this post to the Blog section! It´s so thrilling to find this and previous post about Subs there! It´s very encouraging to think you find them worth of that Purists section! I appreciate that, and will work hard in future... 

This is a fantastic post and a fantastic watch of course! I like the combo of the dark brown dial with the warm color of pink gold which is my favorite color. This is a watch which I would be ready to buy instantly - without any hesitation! enjoy! erich

... love at first sight, and wished to buy it inmediately. It was a little hard to get a good deal, but I finally could convince the previous owner! Thank you for your kind comments! Best cordial regards, Abel.

Your post show a lot of enthusiasm. This UG is certainly a beauty. I am happy to read someone is appreciating the gold version ones instead of the usual SS Sub. Regards Tyler

... offer a very nice sensation on the wrist. These are more formal wearers, though I like the diver versions a lot. I wouldn´t hesitate to bring home an example of a diver as that shown by Amanico, if one cross my path by chance. Of course, this typ... 

And for such wonderful information that Broadens the collectors knowledge Thank you Best Imran

... I´m so glad to receive your words, and to know you enjoyed this post. Thank you!! Best cordial regards, Abel.

About a wonderful watch attached with a great research. The polar flight, at that time, was something wonderful. Never paid too much attention to UG but this post changed my views. Saludos! Nilo

... flight was a pioneer effort in long distance airline services, which should be always appreciated and reminded. We are now well accustomed to the high speed flights of today, reducing distances and time, but it was a true revolution 60 years ago! I
... 

Congratulations, and thanks for the fine write-up on a superb watch. Regards, Tony C.

I like the Polarouters a lot, they are very polifacetic watches. From dressy to out sporty. I like a lot the bumper calibers too, and the micro-rotors are superb! Some surface over here from time to time, but they have very bad dials in general. Best and ... 

... It is true that sometimes these Polerouters surface with very bad shape dials. I was told by an old watchmaker that this was due to water or humidity entering through the crown stem (e.g. while washing hands), as the back is screwed, but the crown ste... 

Almost all the times it happens this to a dial, is because of moisture. But it's good that there seems to be quite a few in good shape out there. Greetings. René

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thanks for this nice post, very informative - and of course a beautiful watch! Best Andreas

a 1964 Polerouter single crown super compressor. sadly the caseback has either worn or been polished so much that the polerouter design is barely visible. just looking at the movement you can see why Universal Geneve were such highly prized watches. enjoy...  

I have an special "gusto" for black dials. Yours, looks awesome! Love it! You are right regarding taking a look at the movement of your watch: It shows quality in its beautiful design and all those finish details, cotes de Geneve, gold inscriptions, micro... 

I know how it will end... Best, Nicolas

Some monts ago I let pass one just like yours Graham!!! I didn't know it was a super compressor, the case back didn't have the scuba helmet neither, overpolish I guess. Had I known it has that beautiful micro-rotor caliber that I like so much... Well, oth...  

hi Rene, there's no EPSA helmet on the back, but our esteemed Omega Moderator Bill Sohne identified it through the brevet numbers on the inside. it also has the date code placed nicely inside caseback which helped me put it into my 64 theme. i wouldnt hav...  

That's why we need your help guys, otherwise we don't even know what we hold. Best. René

thanks for posting. It's the sort of research and passion that makes vintage watch collecting so rewarding. Each one a little time capsule of history. I never knew that Gerald Genta designed this watch. WOW.

... I´glad to offer an interesting bit of info with the Gerald Genta participation in the Polerouter design. Cordial regards, Abel.

Hi Subexplorer Great watch !!!! I too drink from the UG well of watches ! I try to focus on chronometre grade examples of Polerouters... They are hard to come by... Here is my Yellow gold Deluxe bumper , even though the dial is not signed chronometre it i...  

I am hunting these Chronometres from U.G... Too. Best, Nicolas

... and a nice & interesting tips to broaden the knowledge aboyt these fantastic vintages, with your explanation of "chronometre" movements. Didn´t know these facts, and they are surely welcomed! Thank you so much for your comments, and may your collectio... 

Hello Abel i have stuff in boxes that I purchased years ago . Waiting for another poster to start a thread about them... I love joining in... On the UG Chronometre tale tails.... You heard it here ! These were my own observations over years of collecting.... 

... You are more than welcome to share some more of your UG treasures! This one, is my only Polerouter. Not very easy to find down here. Would love to find another. May be a diver like Nicolas´! Thank you so much and best cordial regards, Abel.

What a great post and some very interesting details and ads. I have been looking at the Polerouter for a friend of my, but have only come across your model on paper, never seen one. Thankyou for sharing Hans

--- I guess these Polerouters are not so common to find, specially in good condition. They seem to be fair popular in their time, but for some reason, not too easy to come by now. Good luck with your search for one specimen for your friend! They are worth... 

Great looking watch - and very cool connection to the SAS (did not know that)! Especially for a Nordic guy like me! Best Blomman

.... connection with SAS! Cordial regards, Abel.

. . . but never knew until now that Genta was the designer. Thanks for that crucial bit of info, Abel . . . it adds much to my appreciation of the line. I found one locally a few years ago in a desirable configuration (218-9 chronometer movement, silver a...  

... I´m more than pleased to be able to include that little known piece of information in my post. I also understand somtimes a collector must pass a nice piece, for some details you discover when you view it carefully, as you did. The other timepice... 

Hi Art, Reading your quote of mrsnak's remarkable description of that very nice 218 chronomètre movement, I cannot refrain from posting a pic of a replacement movement that I was fortunate enough to find for my UG Polerouter Sub last year. I bought it off...  

. . . of a very cool movement. I find microrotors visually appealing, even if the only substantive advantage lies in the potential for a thinner structure. Little wonder Piaget and Patek still carry the flame for this type of construction. Welcome back, N... 

Very nice watch, and review Cazalea