Universal Genève Teases Polerouter Revival For Its 70th Anniversary
Breitling’s announcement of Universal Genève’s independent revival set the watch world abuzz, and now, the first glimpse of the reimagined Polerouter has arrived. Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the legendary timepiece—originally designed by the visionary Gérald Genta—has been teased in a trio of exclusive models. These watches beautifully honour the Polerouter’s legacy, blending vintage charm with modern craftsmanship.
The teaser comes with a mix of excitement and longing, as none of these stunning pieces will be available for public purchase—yet. One of the three watches will be auctioned by Phillips, with proceeds going to the Centre de Formation Professionnelle Arts, while the remaining two will join Universal Genève’s archives. The public release of the Polerouter is set for 2026, giving collectors and enthusiasts plenty to look forward to.
Each model in the trio offers a unique aesthetic. The first features a white gold case with a striking blue dial and a mesh gold bracelet. The second pairs a yellow gold case with a black dial and a black leather strap accented with beige stitching. The third, crafted in stainless steel, showcases a clean white dial with gilt accents, accompanied by a black leather strap with beige details. All three watches are united by their vintage-inspired proportions, with a round case measuring 35mm in diameter and a slim 9.95mm thickness.
On the dial, the design pays homage to the original Polerouter. It features a chapter ring engraved with fine lines that match the case material, raised hour markers, and faceted Dauphine hands. At the centre, the embossed Universal Genève logo sits beneath the “Polerouter” inscription. At six o’clock, the SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System) logo, complete with the airline’s wings, evokes the watch’s origins as a gift for SAS pilots navigating the polar routes.
The case design is complemented by lyre lugs and a solid case back, while the sapphire crystal offers modern durability without sacrificing vintage appeal. Powering the watch is a refurbished NOS (new-old-stock) micro-rotor movement from the 1960s. This iconic mechanism runs at a frequency of 18,000 Vph and delivers a power reserve of up to 57 hours, further cementing its place as a hallmark of horological innovation.
While the trio of Polerouters isn’t destined for immediate sale, they offer a tantalizing preview of Universal Genève’s direction as it prepares for a full return in 2026. These watches highlight the brand’s dedication to preserving its legacy while refining its approach for a modern audience. The blend of historical authenticity and expert craftsmanship ensures that Universal Genève’s revival will be one of the most eagerly awaited events in the watch world.
The Polerouter’s reappearance, even in this limited capacity, is a triumph for Universal Genève, reigniting passion for one of Gérald Genta’s most celebrated designs. For now, this teaser provides a taste of what’s to come, and the future for Universal Genève looks incredibly promising.
