Why This Watch Matters This Polerouter Date has a great case shape and a large screw-down crown, making it wear extremely well on the wrist. The Full Story Universal Genève's Polerouter was originally released in 1954 and was designed by Gérald Genta, sculptor of the AP Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus. Our very own Cole Pennington did an excellent job of covering as much of the Polerouter as he possibly could in his A Week On The Wrist video and article. As is so aptly described by Cole and his research, there are nearly an estimated 1,000 executions of the Polerouter that grew from its original Genta design in 1954 to being printed on most time-only watches created by Universal Genève in the 1970s. This example of the ref. 869115/05 dates to the late 1960s and features the microtor self-winding movement that came to be a calling card of the model family. This particular reference does well to show the expansive Polerouter family of watches produced in this period while incorporating many aspects of the original Genta design. The stainless steel case and bezel mostly have a matte satin finish in the front, and when paired with the thick Lyre-like lugs, give the watch a more robust feel. Inside the caseback is the "HF" mark of Huguenin Frères, maker of the early twisted lug Speedmaster Professionals and many of the first Polerouters. Plus, the large round screw-down crown commands extra presence on the wrist and adds a bit of intrigue to the look with an interesting barrel shape. The gorgeous silvered dial comes in a brushed finish, which makes the watch even more attractive. Tritium lume is used both on the hands and on the outer end of each applied hour marker, as is designated by the "SWISS T" printing at six o'clock. We also love the big wide "U" Universal Genève logo, which helps date this watch and stands out well on the dial. The three o'clock date window is an unusual trapezoidal shape. The magnifying bubble over the date window on the UG signed crystal is in a matching shape as well. We paired this Polerouter Date with our Aged Leather Strap in Moss Green. The tone is a very, very light green that appears closer to grey in some lights and adds a nice dimension to the overall look of the watch. The Fine Print Maker: Universal GenèveModel: Polerouter DateReference: 869115/05 Year: Late 1960sCase No: 2475647Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 35mm width, 43mm height; 10mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Universal Genève, self-winding, caliber 1-69Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Aged Leather Watch Strap In Moss GreenLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Brushed silver dial- Huguenin Frères case- Universal Genève-signed crystal Things To Know: - Scratches on case- Patina on dial This Polerouter is in overall good, honest vintage condition. The case is strong with scratches and marks. The top of the one o'clock lug has a few more noticeable scratches. The caseback engraving and numbers have worn over the years and are visible at an angle. The reverse of the lugs have some scratches from strap changing. The dial is in attractive condition overall with a light patina throughout. The center of the dial above the hands has a little scratch and some wear; this is not very noticeable. The hour markers and hands have developed patina. Most of the luminous material on the dial is intact and has developed patina to a dark color. The hands have developed some patina. The lume on the hands matched that of the dial. The crystal has light scratches. The dial, crown, case, movement, and crystal are signed by Universal Genève. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
