For sale we have an excellent original example of a circa 1963 Universal Geneve dress watch. The Polerouter Compact is a very stylish, subtle and neatly proportioned model.
Although this strikes you as a simple time only model, connoisseurs will recognise the aspects of quality this watch subtly offers. The case is only 8.5mm deep, which is outstandingly thin for an automatic wristwatch. The monocoque case design is water resistant, with the split stem releasing and the crystal being removed to access the movement.
The well-designed case has a polished finish, with short, sharp angular lugs. The crown is neat yet, utilitarian with its strong coin edge and good proportion to grip. It has the signed “U” logo to the face.
The dial has a silver satin base tone with a beautiful sunburst finish. This simple and elegant dial oozes quality. The applied hour markers are of a stick style, having a polished silver finish, with a black inlay to the centre. At the base of the markers are Tritium lume plots. The dial has the applied polished “U” logo below 12 O’clock. The signing on the dial is clear and simple. The simple silver hands of sword style and are original.
The case back is marked with the model number 235101/3, with the serial number below, dating the watch to 1963. Inside, it is signed with the universal Geneve name and logo, Swiss and Stainless Steel.
The movement is a Universal Geneve calibre 256A, which is a 28 jewel automatic movement. It has a frequency of 21,600. This is a movement of excellent finishing and quality. It is based on a Movado 395. It is signed Universal Geneve, Swiss, Super-Microtor Unadjusted.
The movement has been serviced by ourselves and is in excellent condition, functionally and cosmetically. It is keeping time to within +1 second a day, with an amplitude of 305 degrees and a beat error of 0.6 m/s.
Overall this is a quality, stylish watch, in excellent original condition.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial has a silver satin base tone with a beautiful sunburst finish. This simple and elegant dial oozes quality. The hour markers are applied. They are of baton style and have a silver base, with a raised black central section. This gives them a very stylish texture. Each hour marker has a tritium lume plot to the base, which has aged to a dark yellow tone. The polished Universal logo is applied below 12 O’clock and is nicely stylised. It is signed Universal Geneve Polerouter Compact. It is signed Automatic above 6 O’clock, with T Swiss below 6 O’clock.
Hands:
The hands are original and of sword style and are in very good condition. They have a a silver tone which shines in the light. They have had new lume in-fill.
Glass:
The crystal is the original and is Acrylic. It is in very good condition with no noticeable marks.
Crown:
The crown is the original Universal Geneve crown. It winds and sets as it should and is in excellent condition. It has the “U” logo to the face.
Case:
The case is made of Stainless Steel and measures 34mm x 34mm with a lug-to-lug measurement of 39mm. It is in good original condition with a polished finish. It maintains subtle traces of wear from its history with some light surface scratches. There are two very small dints the bezel below the crown on the right-hand side of the watch.
Caseback:
The caseback is solid as the case is made of one piece. The main face has a polished finish. There are some light surface scratches. Inside, it is signed with the universal Geneve name and logo, Swiss and Stainless Steel.
Strap:
The watch comes on a new, black genuine leather, Watch Gecko 18mm strap.
Movement:
The movement is a Universal Geneve calibre 256A, which is a 28 jewel automatic movement. It has a frequency of 21,600. This is a movement of excellent finishing and quality. It is based on a Movado 395. It is signed Universal Geneve, Swiss, Super-Microtor Unadjusted.
The movement has been serviced by ourselves and is in excellent condition, functionally and cosmetically. It is keeping time to within +1 second a day, with an amplitude of 305 degrees and a beat error of 0.6 m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 34mm
Case width with crown: 36.25mm
Case length: 34mm
Case length lug to lug: 39mm
Case Depth: 8.5mm
Lug width: 18mm