Manufacturer: Universal Genève Year: Circa 1960 Reference No: 104601-1 Case No: Obscured by caseback sticker. Model Name: Polerouter Date Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 215-2, 28 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Lizard Clasp/Buckle: Pink gold plated Universal Genève pin buckle Dimensions: 34mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed. Accessories: Accompanied by a Universal Genève presentation box and hang tag.
Catalogue Essay
Universal Geneve is one of the families of watches that really helped me hone my eye as a collector. Fifteen years ago, there were so many on the market, and all of them affordable (with just one or two exceptions - primarily the A. Cairelli Oversized Split Seconds Chronograph). It became my favorite brand to collect – and I still have many of them – but as I enter a different era of my own watch interests, I thought it was time to let someone else have what I think is one of the best there is. This is a Polerouter, an original, in rose gold, that is virtually unworn, with hang tag and box. I purchased this watch at the Miami Antiques show many years ago – it is the only likely unworn watch I’ve ever purchased or owned – and I bought it really as something of an academic endeavor. I wanted to understand what a Polerouter would’ve looked like in period – with the incredible twisted lugs unpolished, its original strap and buckle still in place.
What’s more, and something I’ve always found interesting about this example, is the original caseback sticker that reads “Limited Edition”. I’ve long wondered where the very idea of “limited edition” watches came from – but I have to think this is one of the earliest uses of it, at least being referred to as such by the brand itself! I also happen to think that this example in rose gold with a glossy black dial, is one of the most beautiful watches of the period.
Ref. 104601-1 A highly attractive and extremely well-preserved limited edition wristwatch with black quadrant dial, date, presentation box, and hang tag
Circa 1960 34mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed.
