1956 Universal Geneve Polerouter Deluxe 18ct Gold 10357-1

Here we have a classic 1956 Universal Geneve Polerouter Deluxe 18ct Gold 10357-1 with a stunning 34mm 18ct Yellow Gold round case. The Polerouter was first introduced in 1954 and was worn by commercial flight captains for the Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS). Their flights took them from Europe to America via Greenland, over the polar region, hence the “Polerouter” name. The Polerouter was designed by Gérald Genta at the age of 24. Tapered hallmarked twisted lugs gently curve over your wrist with a lug-to-lug length of 42mm and a case thickness of just 9mm to ensure a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right side is an 18ct Yellow gold Universal signed crown. A thin, smooth bezel holds a domed crystal above a striking gold dial, and a raised, polished chapter ring has attractive engraved markers for the hours. Elegant dauphine hands are complemented by a tapered sweeping second hand. At 12 o’clock, we have the applied Universal Geneve motif and “Universal Geneve Polerouter De Luxe” printed underneath and at 6 o’clock “, automatic Microtor” completes this incredible, sophisticated dress watch. On the reverse, a screw-down brushed solid 18ct Yellow Gold case back, inside a Micro-Rotor Universal Geneve Cal. 215, 28 jewels, beating at a leisurely 18,000 beats per hour and comes paired with a well-suited aftermarket 18mm brown leather strap.

This watch is sold “Watch Only” and therefore comes with no original Universal Geneve box or papers. The watch comes paired with a well-suited aftermarket 18mm brown leather strap. The watch is from Circa. 1956 is in very fair vintage condition for its age. It also features an 18ct Yellow gold Universal signed crown, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

Here we have a great opportunity to join the Universal Geneve Polerouter club with a beautiful 'Deluxe' example in 18ct yellow gold featuring the iconic Polerouter gold dial and those fantastic twisted lugs, instantly recognisable for what it is. This reference 13057-1 comes in wonderful condition and is powered by their iconic micro-rotor Calibre 215. With the increase in demand for these models, I would not hesitate to add this great example to your collection today, whilst you can!

Reference : 10357-1
Movement : Micro-Rotor Universal Geneve Cal. 215
Age : Circa. 1956
Year : 1956
Case Size : 34mm
Case Thickness : 9mm
Lug to Lug : 42mm
Lugs : 18m
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : 18ct Yellow Gold
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Universal Genève was founded in 1894 in Le Locle, Switzerland as Universal Watch, by two Horology students Ulysse-Georges Perret and Numa-Emile Descombes. By 1919 they had moved their operations to Geneva and renamed the brand Universal Genève. They have been owned by Stelux, a Hong Kong investment group, since 1989. In December of 2023, it was announced that The Partners Group, a private equity firm that owns a majority stake in Breitling, is planning to acquire the Swiss luxury watch brand Universal Genève from Stelux Holdings. This Hong Kong-based holding company has been the brand's custodian since 1989. Over the years, Universal Genève has struggled to gain investment and marketing direction under Stelux Holdings, leading the brand to fall behind its competitors in the luxury watch market. However, the acquisition by The Partners Group is expected to change that. The move is largely driven by Georges Kern, the CEO of Breitling, who has expressed his desire to bring back the historical brand and help it regain its former glory. Kern has successfully turned around the fortunes of Breitling since he took over in 2017, and he is expected to apply the same strategy to Universal Genève. The acquisition comes at a time when there is increased interest in vintage watches, particularly those made by Universal Genève. The brand's vintage timepieces have been fetching record prices at auctions, indicating a renewed interest in the brand. With the cash infusion from The Partners Group, Universal Genève is expected to launch new models and expand its product line to cater to the growing demand for luxury vintage watches. The market is receptive to new offerings from the brand, and the acquisition is seen as a positive step towards reviving Universal Genève's reputation as a leading luxury watch brand.