Vintage 1964 Universal Geneve Polerouter Micro-Rotor Serviced Ref:869101
The Universal Genève Polerouter was first introduced in 1954 in collaboration with Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), designed by a then 24 year-old Gérald Genta, yes, that one. Created to commemorate SAS’s pioneering polar flights, the Polerouter was engineered to better withstand the magnetic fields encountered on routes crossing the North Pole, combining technical innovation with elegant design.
The example offered here is a 1964 Universal Genève Polerouter, reference 869101, housed in a stainless steel case. This is the desirable straight-lug “Polerouter” version, a pure expression of mid-century modern design with its clean lines and restrained proportions.
It features a beautiful and highly original lume free dial and hands, giving it a refined, minimalist aesthetic. The dial has aged gracefully and remains in remarkable overall condition, perfectly complementing the crisp steel case. The simplicity of the no-lume configuration enhances the symmetry and highlights the applied logo and classic Polerouter layout.
Powering the watch is Universal Genève’s celebrated micro-rotor automatic movement, a technically advanced calibre for its time that allowed for a thinner case profile while maintaining automatic winding efficiency, one of the hallmarks of the Polerouter line.
This watch has just been fully serviced and is running strongly. A new beads of rice bracelet has been fitted, ready for its next custodian.
Overall, this is a superb and very original example of a 1960s Polerouter, an iconic design from the golden era of Swiss watchmaking and a standout piece of mid-century modern horology. Case back numbers are a little worn down, but we have added a zoomed photo for your reference.
As with many early micro-rotor designs, the movement is not quite as efficient as a heavier full sized rotor, so depending on your activity level, a small amount of hand winding every couple of days may be necessary to maintain optimal power reserve.
Please study the photos and video carefully to assess the condition in greater detail.
A Note on Vintage Watch Ownership
Vintage mechanical watches, while robust and reliable, are not as precise as modern quartz timepieces and may require periodic servicing. Some gentle wear and natural patina should be expected with an original watch of this age. Treated with care, it will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come. At TEMPO PRIMA, we believe vintage watches should not be worn in water, regardless of their original specifications. We do not pressure-test vintage watches and therefore cannot guarantee water resistance. To preserve the longevity and integrity of these timepieces, we strongly recommend keeping them dry and avoiding any exposure to moisture.
