Vintage Watch | Universal Genève Polerouter 872102

Universal Genève Polerouter 872102: A Vintage Gem with Silver Dial Elegance

We are always trying to be a storytellers of time, and the Universal Genève Polerouter 872102 is a chapter we’re thrilled to share. This 1970s icon, with its silver brushed dial and day-date complication, embodies the Swiss watchmaker’s legacy of innovation and style. Born from the Polerouter line—launched in 1954 to celebrate Scandinavian Airlines’ pioneering polar flights—the Universal Genève Polerouter 872102 carries a heritage that blends aviation history with mid-century design.

A Legacy of Adventure and Craftsmanship

Founded in 1894, Universal Genève earned its place among Switzerland’s elite with masterpieces like the Compax chronograph. The Polerouter, however, stole the spotlight in 1954, designed by a 23-year-old Gérald Genta to honor SAS’s transatlantic polar route, which cut 14 hours off travel time. While Genta’s original bombé-lugged Polerouter set the stage, the Ref. 872102, produced in the early 1970s, evolves the design with a bold cushion case and practical day-date function, retaining the clean lines and balanced proportions that echo his visionary aesthetic.

The Heart of Innovation: Calibre 72 Micro-Rotor

Powering the Universal Genève Polerouter 872102 is the Calibre 72, a micro-rotor automatic movement celebrated for its slim profile and precision. With 26 jewels and a 21,600 bph frequency, this movement delivers reliable timekeeping while maintaining anti-magnetic properties—a nod to its origins in navigating the magnetic fields of polar flights. The micro-rotor, a hallmark of Universal Genève’s ingenuity, allows for a sleek case design, making this Polerouter as comfortable as it is captivating.

A Design That Captivates

The Universal Genève Polerouter 872102 stands out with its distinctive features:

• Silver Brushed Dial: The brushed silver dial, accented by a prominent “U” logo and clear minimal text and 3D hour marker, exudes understated elegance. The day-date window at 3 o’clock.

• Cushion Case: The 35.5mm stainless steel cushion case, with its soft curves and brushed finish, offers a modern twist on the Polerouter’s classic silhouette. Unlike the bombé lugs of earlier models, this case’s geometric shape feels bold yet refined, perfect for today’s wrists.

• Faceted Crystal: The original acrylic crystal, with its subtle magnification, enhances the dial’s shimmer, capturing the essence of 1970s watch design.

Paired with a premium green grand series leather strap from our workshop, this Polerouter transitions effortlessly from boardroom to evening wear, its 11mm thickness ensuring a sleek fit.

Our Pristine Example: Ref. 872102

We’re proud to offer this Universal Genève Polerouter 872102 in excellent vintage condition:

• A flawless silver sunburst dial with clean hour marker and no visible aging, preserving its original brilliance.

• A near-mint stainless steel cushion case with sharp, unpolished finishes, retain all its original brushed finishing, reflecting meticulous care by its previous owners.
  

• A fully serviced Calibre 72 movement, keeping accurate time and running smoothly, ready for daily wear.

A Collector’s Dream

The Universal Genève Polerouter 872102 is a hidden treasure for vintage watch enthusiasts. While early Polerouters can fetch $3,000 or more, this later reference offers the same Genta-inspired design and Swiss craftsmanship at a more accessible price, with recent sales ranging from $1,500 to $2,500. Its cushion case, rare among Polerouters, and the Calibre 72’s micro-rotor make it a standout addition to any collection. Whether you’re drawn to its aviation heritage or its timeless style, this Polerouter is a piece of horological history ready to grace your wrist.

Specification:

Maker: Universal Geneve

Model: Universal Genève Polerouter 872102

Era: Circa 1970

Case Diameter: 37mm diameter

Lug Width: 18 mm

Case Condition: A near-mint stainless steel cushion case with sharp, unpolished finishes, retain all its original brushed finishing, reflecting meticulous care by its previous owners.

Dial Condition: The brushed silver dial, accented by a prominent “U” logo and clear minimal text and 3D hour marker, exudes understated elegance. The day-date window at 3 o’clock.