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Universal Genève unveiled three one-of-a-kind SAS Polerouter tribute watches in Copenhagen on November 15, 2024, marking 70 years since SAS’s first commercial transpolar flights between Copenhagen and Los Angeles. The white-gold watch later sold at Phillips for CHF 71,120; the red-gold and steel watches entered the brand’s archives. None was a regular retail release.
What are the three new Universal Genève SAS Polerouter watches?
The trio revisited the Polerouter’s connection to SAS with distinct case materials and dial treatments. Phillips reported that all three were powered by Universal Genève’s historic Microtor caliber 1-69.
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Casio MDV106 Series | Unisex Analog Watch | Green/Silver | 200M WR | Stainless Steel | Resin Band |... | $99.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| Watch | Materials and design | Disposition |
|---|---|---|
| White gold | Blue SAS-themed dial with historic and modern airline logos, guilloché rehaut, twisted lugs, and a hand-made white-gold bracelet by Laurent Jolliet. | Offered at Phillips; sold, with proceeds benefiting CFP Arts in Geneva. |
| Red gold | 18k red-gold case, black dial, red-gold inner bezel and hands. | Placed in Universal Genève’s archive. |
| Stainless steel | Steel case, brushed dial, and red-gold accents. | Placed in Universal Genève’s archive. |
Fratello reported shared dimensions of 35 mm in diameter, 45.4 mm lug-to-lug, and 9.95 mm thick, along with 50 m water resistance. Its report also gives the caliber 1-69 a 57-hour power reserve and a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour. These are secondary-source specifications, rather than details confirmed in Universal Genève’s history or Phillips’ announcement.
How much did the white-gold Polerouter sell for?
Phillips’ completed lot record lists a result of CHF 71,120 in 2025, against an estimate of CHF 25,000–50,000. The auction proceeds were designated for CFP Arts in Geneva. This was the price of a unique anniversary watch, not a price guide for standard vintage Polerouters.
#1 Best Overall
- DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL CASE WITH ROTATING BEZEL: The Casio MDV106 Series features a stainless steel case and screw-down crown, ensuring durability and reliability. The rotating bezel allows for easy time tracking, making it a practical choice for various activities. The sleek analog display with luminous markers enhances visibility.
- 200M WATER RESISTANCE FOR VERSATILE USE: Designed for water resistance up to 200 meters (660 feet), this watch is suitable for daily wear, outdoor activities, and water-related environments. The screw-down caseback and crown provide an extra layer of security, making this a reliable timepiece for various conditions.
- CLEAR ANALOG DISPLAY WITH DATE FUNCTION: The three-hand analog display with hour, minute, and second hands ensures precise timekeeping, while the date display at the 3 o’clock position allows for quick reference. The bold markers and luminous hands enhance readability, making it easy to check the time in various lighting conditions.
- STAINLESS STEEL BAND WITH SECURE CLASP: The stainless steel band with a one-touch 3-fold clasp provides a secure and adjustable fit for all-day comfort. Designed for durability, the stainless steel material offers a polished, stylish look, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings.
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY WITH ACCURATE TIMEKEEPING: Powered by a SR626SW battery, this watch delivers up to 3 years of operation with minimal maintenance. The quartz movement ensures precise timekeeping, with an accuracy of ±20 seconds per month, providing reliable performance for daily use.
Can you buy one of the three anniversary watches?
No: the white-gold example has already sold, while the red-gold and steel watches belong to Universal Genève’s archive. The trio was presented as a preview of the brand’s planned 2026 revival, not as a retail collection. Collectors interested in the design can look for vintage Polerouters, but those are separate watches and should not be confused with these one-off tributes.
Why did Universal Genève make SAS Polerouters?
The original Polerouter dates to 1954. Universal Genève’s official history credits 23-year-old Gérald Genta with developing the watch as a tribute to SAS’s Copenhagen–Los Angeles route over the North Pole, and describes the design as resistant to magnetic fields. Phillips reports that the first model was called Polarouter before the name changed to Polerouter in 1956.
The three 2024 watches marked the 70th anniversary of SAS’s first commercial transpolar flights and represented Universal Genève’s first new watches in decades. Their small number and archival disposition made the announcement a historical preview rather than a broad product launch.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Universal Genève history — background on Genta and the original Polerouter.
- Phillips completed auction lot — sale result and charitable beneficiary.
- Fratello — reported dimensions and movement details.
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