No Reserve
75≌
Universal Genève
Polerouter
An exceptional, unique and historically relevant white gold automatic wristwatch with Laurent Jolliet bracelet and presentation box, with proceeds going to charity
- Estimate
- CHF25,000 - 50,000•€27,000 - 54,000$30,600 - 61,300
CHF71,120
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Universal Genève
- Year
- 2024
- Case No
- JU6910
- Model Name
- Polerouter
- Material
- 18k white gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. UG 1-69, 28 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- 18k white gold Laurent Jolliet for Universal Genève mesh bracelet, max length 205mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k white gold Laurent Jolliet for Universal Genève clasp stamped "JUG1", "3824" and "820"
- Dimensions
- 35.5mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Universal Genève wooden fitted commemorative box. Furthermore accompanied by certificate de Garantie/Authenticité, and the Ceritficate from the pilot who made the SAS anniversary flight last November.
Specialist
Catalogue Essay
One of the brands most cherished by collectors, Universal Genève, has been literally living off its past glories for the last three decades, as the brand had gone mostly dormant (with a few exceptions) since the launch of the "Golden Janus" in 1994.
With the acquisition by Partners Group (that is: Breitling) in 2023, collectors’ wishes finally seemed to be granted with a true modern full re-launch of the brand. While the industrial project will come to full fruition in 2026 - with the advent of new commercial models - the brand gave the market a "sneak peak" of its potential in 2024, when it released three unique pieces, modern tributes to the original Polerouter, one in steel, one in pink gold, and the present white gold example, the only one of the three to feature a bracelet. Furthermore, the other two watches have been designated as archive pieces and will not be offered for sale.
A historical piece like few others, not only the present watch is the first one (technically, one of the first three) made by the brand under the new management, but it also serves as a commemorative effort as it celebrates the 70th anniversary of the first transpolar flight (thus: PoleRouter) which occurred on November 15, 1954, operated by SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) which famously relied on UG for their pilots’ timepieces. Superbly echoing the style of the vintage iterations, the watch sports a historically accurate 33.5mm case, lyre-style lugs, and even a vintage micro-rotor UG calibre UG1-69. The bracelet as well - made by master bracelet maker Laurent Jolliet - exudes vintage charm both in its woven mesh style and its details as well, such as the old-school clasp.
A true homage rather than a reedition, the present execution of the Polerouter maintains intact the ethos of the original model but propels it into the 21st century thanks to the dial, an unparalleled modern execution rooted in history. While the contrasting metal outer track is present, gone is the somber matte black center in favor of an enormously charming and appealing translucent blue center with a circular satin finish.
Offered directly by Universal Genève, the proceeds will benefit CFP Arts in Geneva, which teaches applied arts, ensuring critical knowledge of watchmaking savoir-faire exists for generations, the present piece is without a doubt a cornerstone in the history of the company, marking its resurgence and combining the historical roots of the brand with a more modern aesthetic sensibility.
With the acquisition by Partners Group (that is: Breitling) in 2023, collectors’ wishes finally seemed to be granted with a true modern full re-launch of the brand. While the industrial project will come to full fruition in 2026 - with the advent of new commercial models - the brand gave the market a "sneak peak" of its potential in 2024, when it released three unique pieces, modern tributes to the original Polerouter, one in steel, one in pink gold, and the present white gold example, the only one of the three to feature a bracelet. Furthermore, the other two watches have been designated as archive pieces and will not be offered for sale.
A historical piece like few others, not only the present watch is the first one (technically, one of the first three) made by the brand under the new management, but it also serves as a commemorative effort as it celebrates the 70th anniversary of the first transpolar flight (thus: PoleRouter) which occurred on November 15, 1954, operated by SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) which famously relied on UG for their pilots’ timepieces. Superbly echoing the style of the vintage iterations, the watch sports a historically accurate 33.5mm case, lyre-style lugs, and even a vintage micro-rotor UG calibre UG1-69. The bracelet as well - made by master bracelet maker Laurent Jolliet - exudes vintage charm both in its woven mesh style and its details as well, such as the old-school clasp.
A true homage rather than a reedition, the present execution of the Polerouter maintains intact the ethos of the original model but propels it into the 21st century thanks to the dial, an unparalleled modern execution rooted in history. While the contrasting metal outer track is present, gone is the somber matte black center in favor of an enormously charming and appealing translucent blue center with a circular satin finish.
Offered directly by Universal Genève, the proceeds will benefit CFP Arts in Geneva, which teaches applied arts, ensuring critical knowledge of watchmaking savoir-faire exists for generations, the present piece is without a doubt a cornerstone in the history of the company, marking its resurgence and combining the historical roots of the brand with a more modern aesthetic sensibility.