The Polerouter occupies a special place in Universal Genève history. Created in the 1950s in connection with SAS’s pioneering polar air routes, its elegant design is closely associated with the young Gérald Genta and would evolve into one of the manufacture’s most enduring families. Universal Genève subsequently took the Polerouter far beyond its aviation origins, however, and the Polerouter Sub transformed the concept into a substantial sports watch, combining the marque’s celebrated micro-rotor movement with the practical architecture required of a diver.

This ref. 869120/02 is an especially intriguing example. Its 40mm stainless steel case is dramatically asymmetrical, extending substantially on the right to form integrated protection around the crown. The 12-hour elapsed-time bezel is correct for the reference, while the black dial presents an interesting detail. Its large luminous Arabic quarters and distinctive layout are more commonly associated with ref. 869109. Beneath the dial sits Universal Genève’s automatic calibre 1-69, whose micro-rotor architecture allowed the manufacture to retain a comparatively slim movement despite the Polerouter Sub’s robust exterior.

Watch is in overall excellent condition. The stainless steel case shows surface scratches and small nicks, as expected of a watch of this vintage. The bezel is well defined, while the insert shows scratches, surface marks, and hairline cracks. The dial shows some light surface marks and reasonably well-preserved luminous hour plots more commonly associated with reference 869109. The watch features a dial type typically found in earlier references- it was likely placed into the watch at some point by a previous owner. he hands remain clean, with the seconds hand missing its luminous material. It is fitted with a leather strap and Universal Genève steel pin buckle showing surface scratches.

Please note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.