Universal Geneve, Polerouter Automatic, 10k Gold Filled Dress Watch with Date, circa 1962

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

A Stunning Universal Geneve Polerouter Automatic with a 10k Gold-Filled Case and Corresponding Gold Dial in Wonderful Vintage Condition, c.1962 Universal Genève is a prestigious Swiss watchmaker known for its exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design. The company was founded in 1894 by Numa-Emile Descombes and Ulysse Perret, who aimed to create timepieces that would revolutionize the watch industry. Over the years, Universal Genève has become synonymous with innovation, precision, and elegance. In the early 20th century, Universal Genève introduced several groundbreaking technologies that set them apart from other watchmakers. In 1917, they unveiled the first-ever chronograph wristwatch with a single-button mechanism. This invention paved the way for future advancements in chronograph technology. During World War II, Universal Genève gained popularity among military personnel due to their reliable timepieces. Their watches were favored by pilots and soldiers alike for their accuracy and durability in extreme conditions. This further solidified Universal Genève's reputation as a trusted brand. In the 1950s and 1960s, Universal Genève expanded its collection with iconic models such as the Polerouter and Tri-Compax. The Polerouter was designed in collaboration with renowned aviation pioneer Gerald Rodenbaugh and became famous for its ability to withstand magnetic fields encountered during long-haul flights. The Tri-Compax featured a highly complicated movement with multiple sub-dials for measuring different time intervals. However, like many traditional watchmakers, Universal Genève faced challenges during the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s when cheap quartz watches flooded the market. Despite this setback, they continued producing mechanical watches of exceptional quality. Today, vintage Universal Genève watches are highly sought after by collectors around the world. Their timeless designs coupled with their historical significance make them prized possessions among horology enthusiasts. What’s On Offer A stylish and beautiful 10k gold-filled Universal Geneve, Polerouter with calibre 1-69 Micro-Rotor Automatic movement with 17 jewels. The watch was produced c. 1962 and was recently serviced by our master watchmaker, so it is running well and keeping good time. It is a rather charming example of the Polerouter with all the opulence of a solid gold watch but without the exorbitant tag! The dial is a nice even gold with beautiful applied baton hour markers with onyx inserts and corresponding hands. There is a subtle date aperture at 3 o'clock and a Universal Geneve signature at 12. The dial is encapsulated underneath the shatterproof acrylic crystal, and the 10k gold-filled case is in very nice condition. This is a really beautiful watch, it's a nice size and wears exquisitely on the wrist. A great buy!