Three Iconic Timepieces Celebrate 70 Years of Innovation and the First Transpolar SAS Flight
Universal Genève Celebrates 70 Years of the Polerouter and the First Transpolar SAS Flight with Three Tribute Watches
In a fitting homage to history, Universal Genève marks the 70th anniversary of the first Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) transpolar flight by unveiling three extraordinary tribute timepieces from its Polerouter SAS collection. These releases are part of the brand’s anticipated revival in 2026 and celebrate the pioneering spirit of the 1954 milestone flight from Copenhagen to Los Angeles.
A Legacy of Innovation: The Polerouter’s Origins
The historic SAS transpolar flight on November 15, 1954, was a feat of aviation, reducing travel distances by 2,600 kilometers and cutting significant time off the journey. Recognizing the unique challenges of such a route, SAS turned to Universal Genève to create a reliable and elegant timepiece for pilots.
Enter the Polerouter, an iconic design by a then 23-year-old Gérald Genta, whose work combined functionality with timeless elegance. Featuring a groundbreaking two-part dial construction, it was resistant to shocks, magnetism, and moisture, ensuring reliability across the globe’s extreme climates.
The Tribute Pieces: Blending History and Modernity
The three new Polerouter SAS tribute timepieces, unveiled in Copenhagen on November 15, 2024, perfectly encapsulate the brand’s heritage while looking to the future. Each watch integrates Universal Genève’s historic “Microtor” movement, a revolutionary innovation of its era.
The first tribute watch features a striking white-gold case with Universal Genève’s redesigned logo alongside the historic SAS emblem. Adorned with a handcrafted bracelet by Swiss chaîniste Laurent Jolliet, the piece is a modern reinterpretation of Universal Genève’s design legacy. This unique watch will be auctioned at Phillips in May 2025, with proceeds supporting CFP Arts in Geneva, a center dedicated to preserving watchmaking craftsmanship.
The second piece, featuring an 18k red gold case and a black dial, honors the bold aesthetics of its original counterpart while introducing a contemporary touch.
A sleek stainless-steel version completes the collection. Its understated elegance, combined with the SAS logo in red gold, pays homage to the original Polerouter’s minimalist yet impactful design.
A Timepiece Designed by a Legend
Gérald Genta’s breakthrough design for the Polerouter stands as one of his earliest masterpieces. The patented two-part design, featuring a tension ring with hour markers and a curved dial, was both visually striking and technically innovative.
The Polerouter evolved beyond its origins as a pilot’s watch, becoming a coveted collector’s item. Originally produced in limited numbers, these timepieces remain highly sought after today.
Celebrating the First Transpolar Flight
The SAS transpolar route was an achievement of diplomacy and aviation. The simultaneous flights from Copenhagen and Los Angeles, led by Captains Povl Jensen and Sven Gibson, respectively, carried dignitaries and journalists, cementing the route’s significance in global aviation.
This remarkable partnership between Universal Genève and SAS, built on a shared drive for innovation, continues to inspire watch enthusiasts and aviation historians alike.
With the release of these Polerouter SAS tribute watches, Universal Genève honors its past while setting the stage for its much-anticipated renaissance in 2026.