Presented for auction by Second Vintage Few timepieces capture the golden era of mid-century horological design quite like the Universal Genève Polerouter, and finding one with a genuinely spectacular tropical dial elevates it to the highest tiers of vintage collecting. Originally conceived by a young Gérald Genta, the Polerouter combined elegant architectural lines with robust anti-magnetic capabilities designed for Scandinavian Airlines System flights over the North Pole. This specific example is a breathtaking artifact of that era, highly sought after by collectors for its incredibly rare and mesmerizing stardust patina that has transformed the dial into a unique, one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Paired with the brand's legendary micro-rotor movement and the iconic twisted lyre lugs, this Polerouter Date represents a pinnacle opportunity for the discerning vintage enthusiast. Brand: Universal Genève Model: Polerouter Date Reference Number: 204605-3 Serial Number: 2235560 Movement: Universal Genève Caliber 215-2 Automatic Micro-Rotor Dial: Tropical stardust dial with gilt typography, applied gold-tone logo, and a fluted chapter ring Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-tone top with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1965 Condition: Good vintage condition with highly desirable tropical patina Dial and Hands The dial of this Polerouter Date is a profound visual experience and the primary value driver of the timepiece. Originally black, the surface has aged gracefully into a magnificent deep tropical bronze, exhibiting a dense and highly attractive stardust and fine spidering texture across the entire face. This natural, age-consistent patina catches the light beautifully, highlighting the crisp gilt printed "UNIVERSAL GENÈVE POLEROUTER DATE" and "AUTOMATIC MICROTOR" text. The dial features a signature gold-tone fluted inner chapter ring that adds immense depth and frames the tropical center perfectly. An applied gold-tone 'U' logo sits proudly at the twelve o'clock position, while a framed date aperture is positioned at three o'clock. The gold-tone dauphine hands display dark, aged center channels that complement the dial's deep, warm tones flawlessly. The dial is exceptionally preserved in its aged state, free from distracting moisture damage or highly localized staining, presenting instead a uniform and celebrated tropical aesthetic. Case and Crystal The case showcases Gérald Genta's brilliant architectural vision, defined by the iconic twisted lyre lugs that give the Polerouter its unmistakable profile. The gold-tone upper case provides a rich contrast against the stainless steel caseback. Upon close inspection, the case exhibits honest vintage wear, with light surface marks, minor scratches, and some softening of the lug chamfers consistent with decades of careful use. The gold plating shows subtle signs of age around the extremities, further authenticating the watch's vintage character while retaining its elegant geometry. The original-style domed acrylic crystal features an internal date magnifier over the three o'clock position, providing a clear and slightly distorted vintage view of the date wheel. The crystal remains in excellent condition with minimal surface wear. Movement Powering this timepiece is the celebrated Universal Genève Caliber 215-2, an automatic movement featuring the brand's pioneering micro-rotor technology. The movement is proudly signed and displays twenty-eight jewels, with the intricate micro-rotor finished in a fine sunburst texture. The plates and bridges exhibit expected age-related surface wear, light handling marks, and a natural vintage patina, while remaining visually complete and mechanically robust. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher results show +15 to +17 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a classic black leather strap featuring a refined alligator grain pattern. The strap provides a sophisticated contrast to the gold-tone case and the warm tropical dial, securing comfortably to the wrist with a matching gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This Universal Genève is presented in good vintage condition. The case shows normal, honest wear with a well-preserved overall shape and intact lyre lugs. The standout feature is the dial, which has developed a stunning, highly desirable tropical stardust patina that elevates the collector value of the piece significantly. The movement is running strong, and the overall presentation is exceptionally attractive. Dimensions The case measures a classic 35 mm in width, excluding the crown, offering a perfectly proportioned and historically accurate mid-century fit on the wrist. Remarks A Polerouter is a mandatory inclusion in any serious vintage collection, but examples boasting this level of dramatic, even tropical aging are exceedingly rare. The combination of Genta design, micro-rotor innovation, and a naturally occurring stardust dial makes this a truly compelling acquisition. History In 1954, Universal Genève partnered with Scandinavian Airlines System to equip their pilots with watches capable of withstanding the strong magnetic fields encountered during pioneering flights over the North Pole. They enlisted a 23-year-old Gérald Genta to design the watch, resulting in the Polerouter. Shortly thereafter, the brand introduced their revolutionary micro-rotor automatic movement, allowing the watch to remain remarkably thin while offering the convenience of self-winding. The Polerouter Date remains one of the most significant and historically rich models of the mid-twentieth century. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: UNI-UGP-0001