Superb 1963 Universal Genève Polerouter Date Micro-Rotor 204612-2

3 950 €
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This superb example of Universal Genève Polerouter Date, reference 204612-2, was manufactured in 1962.
Presented in very good overall condition, its deep lacquered black dial and perfectly patinated radium indexes caught our attention.
The micro-rotor automatic movement has been celebrated by collectors for decades, and contributes, along with the distinctive elements of the steel case with stylized lugs and the dial, to the inimitable charm of the Polerouter.
A highly sought-after piece!

Detailed description

The Universal Genève Polerouter is an iconic timepiece, conceived in 1954 by famous designer Gérald Genta at the request of the Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), which wanted to create a watch to celebrate the introduction of its transatlantic flights passing over the North Pole. Its design proved to be a huge success and spawned a whole series of variants, including the Polerouter Jet, Polerouter De Luxe, Polerouter Sub and the immensely popular Polerouter Date – of which today we present a superb example. Combining elegant, timeless style and significant watchmaking innovations, it is particularly appreciated by collectors.

Its stainless steel case with “lyre” handles and its “crosshair” dial with a guilloché edge and a deep black lacquered center give it a both elegant and sporty look. The Dauphine hands and the date window at three o'clock, magnified by a trapezoidal bubble underneath the plexiglas crystal, are also markers of the Polerouter Date's design.

Inside, Polerouters saw the introduction by Universal Genève of self-winding movements equipped with a micro-rotor. In the case of the watch we're presenting today, it is the caliber 218-2, renowned for its thinness, its build quality, and lasting precision. Also included in the specifications of the SAS airline was the need for anti-magnetic protection of the movement, to overcome the extreme magnetic fields over the North Pole.

For collectors, the Universal Genève Polerouter Date represents a true watchmaking treasure. The first versions of this watch, produced in the 1950s and 1960s, are particularly sought-after today – and will certainly be even more so tomorrow, as we just learn of the takeover of the Universal Genève brand by the group that owns Breitling, and the imminent relaunch of several icons of the brand, including, of course, the Polerouter.

Condition

Superb flawless black lacquered dial. The radium luminescent indexes, perfectly preserved, have developed a warm, homogeneous “pumpkin” patina.
The case is sharp, not over-polished since the birth of the watch over 60 years ago, and gives an unparalleled charm to this Polerouter.
The case back still shows the Polerouter medallion as well as the reference and serial numbers of the watch, although the latter, as often when it comes to Polerouters, today are mainly visible with a magnifying glass and difficult to see with the naked eye.
The movement, which recently underwent a complete overhaul by one of our experienced watchmakers, runs perfectly, withing the strictest tolerances for these calibers.
The plexiglass crystal with trapezoidal date magnifier has been replaced by a new one for perfect transparency.

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All the watches available on our website have been meticulously inspected by our team of experts to guarantee their authenticity and originality.

All our watches are systematically checked for mechanical function and precision, and undergo a complete overhaul if necessary.

Every watch sold is covered by a two-year warranty.

Find out more about The Amplitude Guarantee.

Shipping & Deliveries

We ship all watches ordered on our website free of charge worldwide.

Any customs or import duties/taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

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We are used to shipping watches all over the world, including to Europe, the United States and Asia. Find out more about Shipping & Deliveries at Amplitude.

Specifications

General characteristics

Object ID : J58H
Brand: Universal Genève
Model: Polerouter Date
Reference : 204612-2
Year: Circa 1962
Gender: Men's watch / Unisex
Delivered with: Amplitude Steel Warranty Card
Crystal type:
Plexiglass
Dial color:
Black
Dial markers: No numerals

Case

Case material: Stainless Steel
Case shape:
Round
Case back: Full, screw-back
Bezel material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions/Diameter: 35.7mm

Movement

Type: Automatic
Caliber: Universal Genève 218-2 with micro-rotor
Frequency: 18,000 vph (2,5 Hz)
Functions:

Bracelet/Strap

Bracelet/Strap: Brand new Amplitude° strap in grained leather
Bracelet/Strap color: Brown
Bracelet/Strap material: Leather
Buckle/Clasp type: Pin buckle
Buckle/Clasp material: Stainless Steel
Lug width: 18mm