An exceptionally rare and highly collectible early Universal Geneve Polerouter Broad Arrow, reference 20217-8, powered by the original calibre 138SS bumper automatic movement.
Dating to 1955 by serial number, this is a very early Polerouter produced during the model’s formative years and firmly within the first generation of production. That is particularly significant as it places the watch amongst the earliest execution Broad Arrow Polerouters, produced before Universal Geneve transitioned fully into the later Microtor era. Early 1955 examples are seldom encountered, especially in honest untouched condition.
This is one of the most striking and desirable Polerouter configurations ever produced, featuring the unbelievable oversized luminous broad arrow handset, black crosshair dial and beautifully sculpted early case design. These Broad Arrow variants were manufactured only for a short period and are vastly rarer than the more commonly seen later Polerouters.
The watch retains a fantastic honest vintage feel throughout. The original black dial has aged beautifully with subtle patina and light spotting visible under magnification, exactly what you hope to find on an untouched mid 1950s example. The oversized broad arrow hands completely transform the look of the watch and give it a far more experimental, almost military feel than standard Polerouters.
The silver outer chapter ring catches the light beautifully and contrasts perfectly against the deep black dial. Original Universal Geneve and Polerouter text remains crisp and clearly visible.
The stainless steel case remains particularly strong for one of these. The sharp lug architecture and overall profile are still very well preserved with none of the heavily softened overpolished appearance often seen on early Polerouters. Surface marks, scratches and wear are present throughout the case, bezel and caseback, entirely consistent with age and honest use.
Inside sits the superb Universal Geneve calibre 138SS bumper automatic movement, recently serviced and running very well. These early bumper automatics have enormous charm on the wrist and represent an important stage in Universal Geneve’s automatic movement development.
The watch measures approximately 35mm excluding the unsigned crown but wears substantially larger due to the long angular lugs and broad dial opening.
Fitted on a newer black leather strap.
A genuinely rare collector-grade Polerouter variant and one of the most visually distinctive Universal Geneve models ever produced.
An exceptionally rare and highly collectible early Universal Geneve Polerouter Broad Arrow, reference 20217-8, powered by the original calibre 138SS bumper automatic movement.
Dating to 1955 by serial number, this is a very early Polerouter produced during the model’s formative years and firmly within the first generation of production. That is particularly significant as it places the watch amongst the earliest execution Broad Arrow Polerouters, produced before Universal Geneve transitioned fully into the later Microtor era. Early 1955 examples are seldom encountered, especially in honest untouched condition.
This is one of the most striking and desirable Polerouter configurations ever produced, featuring the unbelievable oversized luminous broad arrow handset, black crosshair dial and beautifully sculpted early case design. These Broad Arrow variants were manufactured only for a short period and are vastly rarer than the more commonly seen later Polerouters.
The watch retains a fantastic honest vintage feel throughout. The original black dial has aged beautifully with subtle patina and light spotting visible under magnification, exactly what you hope to find on an untouched mid 1950s example. The oversized broad arrow hands completely transform the look of the watch and give it a far more experimental, almost military feel than standard Polerouters.
The silver outer chapter ring catches the light beautifully and contrasts perfectly against the deep black dial. Original Universal Geneve and Polerouter text remains crisp and clearly visible.
The stainless steel case remains particularly strong for one of these. The sharp lug architecture and overall profile are still very well preserved with none of the heavily softened overpolished appearance often seen on early Polerouters. Surface marks, scratches and wear are present throughout the case, bezel and caseback, entirely consistent with age and honest use.
Inside sits the superb Universal Geneve calibre 138SS bumper automatic movement, recently serviced and running very well. These early bumper automatics have enormous charm on the wrist and represent an important stage in Universal Geneve’s automatic movement development.
The watch measures approximately 35mm excluding the unsigned crown but wears substantially larger due to the long angular lugs and broad dial opening.
Fitted on a newer black leather strap.
A genuinely rare collector-grade Polerouter variant and one of the most visually distinctive Universal Geneve models ever produced.
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