Why We Love It

Let's be honest, Poleorouter's offer a ton of value in the vintage space.

In this instance, you're getting a watch with an iconic design and micro-rotor movement for under $2,500. Not to mention, the man behind the Polerouter was none other than Gerald Genta. A quick google search will yield Genta's remarkable impact on the watch industry. 

Its 35mm twisted lug case is capped in yellow gold. The black gloss gilt dial, with the slightest whisper of tropicalization beginning, is split into four separate quadrants. Gold printed text on the dial pair nicely with the gold toned dauphine handset. Thanks to the thin micro-rotor movement, the watch can be worn nicely under a cuff or sweater. 

There's no better way to be introduced to Universal Geneve than with a Polerouter! 

The Story

Most of us, even the most diehard collectors, know only one watch designer by name: Gerald Genta.

The man behind the AP Royal Oak, the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the IWC Ingenieur, Genta changed the watch industry with his luxury stainless steel sports watches with sharp 70s lines and his characteristic integrated bracelet design.  But before he could pioneer haute horology, he had cut his teeth on a more approachable timepiece; the Universal Genève Polerouter.

The Polerouter was Genta's first watch design brought to market, penned by the young Swiss designer in his early 20s. The watch was a sales success and propelled Genta’s career forward (allowing for the greats such as the Royal Oak and the Nautilus.) The first Polerouter was released in 1954 (and originally called the POLARouter) to celebrate and promote Scandinavian Airlines’ Royal Viking polar flights between New York City, Los Angeles and Europe. The flights forged a new route over the North Pole, reducing flight times between the two continents. Flying over the North Pole presented a unique set of challenges for a watch, and the Polerouter was designed to be highly resistant to magnetic fields (in addition to the usual shock and water resistance) so as to maintain accuracy during the trip.