Universal Genève - Polerouter Automatic Microrotor - Men - 1950-1959
Starting bid
€ 1
Add to your favourites to get an alert when the auction starts.
Expert
Selected by Mauro Atienza
Graduated master watchmaker with over 30 years' experience and teaching background.
Estimate € 1,300 - € 1,500
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 143216 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
UNIVERSAL GENÈVE – Polerouter Automatic Microrotor
Design by Gérald Genta · Movement Cal. 218 -2 · second generation
Historical Identification
Brand: Universal Genève
Model: Polerouter
Movement: Automatic Microrotor (Micro-rotor)
Caliber: 218-2 (signed, visible)
Estimated year: 1955–1960
Design: Gérald Genta (same creator of the AP Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus)
Origin: Swiss Made
Caseback: Engraved with world globe “Polerouter”
The Polerouter is one of the most iconic watches of the 20th century, created to commemorate SAS polar flights and regarded today as a key piece for haute horlogerie collectors.
Measurements (estimated according to reference)
Case diameter: 34–35 mm
Thickness: approx. 10.5 mm
Strap width: 18 mm
Total strap length: small (adjustable) (aftermarket)
Materials and finish
Case: steel
Bezel: silver “sunburst”
Dial: black gloss with radial silver minute markers
Crystal: original plexiglass (with signs of time and wear)
Movement: Universal Genève Cal. 218-2 Microrotor
Micro-rotor automatic: groundbreaking engineering
28 jewels
Engraving: “Universal Genève – Swiss – Microrotor – 218-2”
Condition: running, requires servicing and light cleaning for optimal precision
Estimated power reserve: 42 h
This caliber is historically important because it was the first mass-produced microrotor and marked the transition toward ultrathin automatic watches.
Rarity and relevance
The Universal Polerouter is a cult piece:
- First iconic design by Genta
- Pioneering microrotor technology
- Limited production
- Highly sought after at European auctions
- High appreciation in value in the last 5 years
UNIVERSAL GENÈVE – Polerouter Automatic Microrotor
Design by Gérald Genta · Movement Cal. 218 -2 · second generation
Historical Identification
Brand: Universal Genève
Model: Polerouter
Movement: Automatic Microrotor (Micro-rotor)
Caliber: 218-2 (signed, visible)
Estimated year: 1955–1960
Design: Gérald Genta (same creator of the AP Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus)
Origin: Swiss Made
Caseback: Engraved with world globe “Polerouter”
The Polerouter is one of the most iconic watches of the 20th century, created to commemorate SAS polar flights and regarded today as a key piece for haute horlogerie collectors.
Measurements (estimated according to reference)
Case diameter: 34–35 mm
Thickness: approx. 10.5 mm
Strap width: 18 mm
Total strap length: small (adjustable) (aftermarket)
Materials and finish
Case: steel
Bezel: silver “sunburst”
Dial: black gloss with radial silver minute markers
Crystal: original plexiglass (with signs of time and wear)
Movement: Universal Genève Cal. 218-2 Microrotor
Micro-rotor automatic: groundbreaking engineering
28 jewels
Engraving: “Universal Genève – Swiss – Microrotor – 218-2”
Condition: running, requires servicing and light cleaning for optimal precision
Estimated power reserve: 42 h
This caliber is historically important because it was the first mass-produced microrotor and marked the transition toward ultrathin automatic watches.
Rarity and relevance
The Universal Polerouter is a cult piece:
- First iconic design by Genta
- Pioneering microrotor technology
- Limited production
- Highly sought after at European auctions
- High appreciation in value in the last 5 years
Details
Brand
Universal Genève
Gender
Men
Model
Polerouter Automatic Microrotor
Band material
Steel
Shipped insured
No
Band length
Short (160–180 mm)
Period
1950-1959
Repainted dial
No
Movement
Automatic
Case material
Steel
Original box included
No
Original papers included
No
Case diameter
35 mm
Original warranty included
No
Condition
Very good - minor signs of wear
Sold by
