Universal Genève celebrated the 70th anniversary of the iconic Polerouter watch and the groundbreaking first commercial transpolar flight by Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) with an exclusive two-day event. The celebration, held in Geneva and Copenhagen, marked a significant moment in both watchmaking and aviation history, combining innovation, heritage, and craftsmanship.
A Journey Through History
The festivities began on November 14 with a gathering of watch industry experts, collectors, and media at Phillips Auction in Geneva, where a display of historic Universal Genève watches set the tone for the weekend. Guests then boarded a special SAS flight adorned with vintage livery, heading to Copenhagen to continue the celebrations. Upon arrival, attendees stayed at the famed SAS Royal Hotel, a landmark designed by Danish modernist architect Arne Jacobsen in 1960.
The following morning, the event moved to the historic Vilhelm Lauritzen terminal at Copenhagen Airport, a stunning example of Danish modernist architecture. There, Universal Genève unveiled three tribute Polerouter watches to commemorate the historic 1954 flight, with speeches from industry leaders, including Universal Genève CEO Georges Kern, managing director Gregory Bruttin, and SAS CEO Anko van der Werff.
The celebration took a personal turn when Evelyne Genta, the widow of Gérald Genta, who designed the Polerouter, delivered a heartfelt message about her late husband’s legacy. She reflected on the Polerouter as a perfect example of his philosophy, blending technical innovation with artistic beauty.
The First Transpolar Flight: A Milestone in Aviation History
On November 15, 1954, SAS made history with the first-ever commercial flight over the North Pole. Two Douglas DC-6B aircraft, the Helge Viking and the Leif Viking, took off from Copenhagen and Los Angeles, respectively. These flights significantly reduced travel distance between Scandinavia and California, cutting it by 2,600 kilometers, and marking the beginning of a new era in aviation. This milestone laid the groundwork for SAS’s expansion into polar routes, eventually connecting destinations such as Tokyo and Singapore.
The Polerouter: A Watch for Aviation Pioneers
The Polerouter was created by Universal Genève specifically for SAS pilots flying the inaugural transpolar route. The watch featured groundbreaking innovations, including a two-part dial construction designed to be resistant to shocks, magnetism, and moisture. Its robustness made it ideal for extreme conditions, from the icy cold of the poles to the heat of the equator.
Tribute Timepieces for the 70th Anniversary
To celebrate the anniversary of both the Polerouter and the transpolar flight, Universal Genève unveiled three tribute timepieces. Two of these will be preserved in the brand’s archives, while the third will be auctioned off at Phillips in May 2025. The auction will benefit CFP Arts in Geneva, an organization dedicated to preserving the art of watchmaking.
The watch to be auctioned features a white gold case, SAS blue dial, and a handcrafted white-gold bracelet designed by Laurent Jolliet, Switzerland’s last chaîniste. The two archival pieces are crafted with either red gold or stainless steel cases and feature dials emblazoned with both historic and modern SAS logos.
Universal Genève’s Revival
Universal Genève, founded in 1894, has a storied history of innovative design and craftsmanship, with models like the Polerouter and Compax securing its place in horological history. The brand’s recent revival in 2023, following its acquisition by Partners Group and CVC Capital Partners, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Universal Genève aims to blend its rich heritage with new technologies and designs, working closely with the collector community to ensure its future remains as prestigious as its past.
