Description: A MODEL CREATED BY THE GENIUS GÉRALD GENTA.THIS WAS HIS FIRST GREAT WORK, FAMOUS AND UNFORGETTABLE, WHEN HE WAS JUST 23 YEARS OLD. AND MANUFACTURED BY ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED WATCH MANUFACTURERS OF HIS TIME: UNIVERSAL. Rare Polerouter automatic watch - equipped with the iconic caliber 69 with 28 jewels - Universal Geneve brand - equipped with a state-of-the-art micro-rotor. Good size approx.: 34mm excluding the crown. A rarity for collectors: SIGNED CROWN - PLEASE SEE PHOTOS Calendar at 3 o'clock. Sweep seconds. In 1954, SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System) established the first commercial flight between Copenhagen and Los Angeles. The 2,600 km journey over the North Pole was a real challenge and an achievement for the pilots but also for the equipment on board. The temperature and high magnetic fields of the polar region damaged and distorted the pilots' instruments, putting the crew and the expedition at great risk. When SAS realized the importance of having reliable instruments on board, the company asked Universal Genève to produce a specific watch capable of withstanding these particular conditions. The renowned brand seized the opportunity and called on a then young (23 years old) Gérald Genta (Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Patek Philippe Nautilus, IWC Ingenieur, Cartier Pasha, etc.) to design and develop a specific watch. The Poleuter was born, an icon in the making. Initially called the “Polarouter”, the watch was quickly renamed “Polerouter”, probably due to pronunciation problems. The watch was launched in 1954 and announced as a commemorative piece for the historic flight. The Polrouter was instantly recognised as the official watch of the SAS pilots. Polarouter maiden flight On 15 November 1954, at 19:18 local time, the “Helge Viking” (OY-KMI) took off from Copenhagen for the first commercial flight over the North Pole (flight number SK 931). The destination airport was Los Angeles (USA). The aircraft was a Douglas DC-6B with a wingspan of 35.8 m, equipped with four 2500 hp Pratt & Whitney propeller engines (twin 18-cylinder in-line radial engines). The maximum cruising speed of this machine was 507 km/h. The range is 7,600 km and the maximum cruising altitude is 25,000 ft. The long-haul aircraft used by the SAS had a capacity of 50 to 75 passengers. Hello, dear buyer! Don't miss the opportunity to buy this rare vintage piece in excellent condition. Take the opportunity to discover our rarities for sale here on eBay and, if you are interested in a specific brand or piece, consult me about our collection of more than 300 vintage pieces (manual winding, automatic, wrist, pocket, gold and silver case).
Price: 949 USD
Location: Santos, SP
End Time: 2024-10-23T21:16:15.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Brand: Universal Genève
Department: Men
Type: Wristwatch
Movement: Mechanical (Automatic)
Customized: No
Number of Jewels: 28 Jewels
Model: Universal Geneve Polerouter
Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland
Band/Strap: Bund Strap
Display: Analog
Vintage: Yes