Universal Geneve Polerouter Date

Why We Love It The Universal Genève Polerouter is simply brilliant. As trends change away from oversized sports watches in favor of sleeker, more refined timepieces, the Polerouter model line is finally getting the interest it deserves. That makes it all the more exciting for watch enthusiasts like ourselves. This particular example, cased in 18k Yellow Gold is very rare, as solid gold examples were produced in very small numbers. Featuring the same twisted lug design as its steel brethren, this piece also features an asymetric date window, acrylic crystal, and a very clean gold-tone dial with dauphine hands, devoid of any luminescent material. But wait, that's not all!  Turn the watch over, and you'll see a special engraving of the Libyan Royal Family crest.  Incredible. 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.